South African youth looking for an opportunity to gain workplace experience and kick-start their careers should take note of the latest Maersk YES Learnership Programme for 2026/2027. Applications are now open for young people who want to gain practical work experience within one of the world’s leading logistics and supply chain companies.
The programme forms part of the Youth Employment Service (YES) initiative, which aims to provide unemployed young South Africans with meaningful workplace exposure, valuable skills development, and an opportunity to improve their future employability.
Maersk is one of the most recognised logistics companies globally, operating in more than 130 countries and employing over 100,000 people worldwide. Through this learnership, successful candidates will have the opportunity to gain experience within a world-class business environment while developing professional skills that can help them compete in today’s job market.
About Maersk
Maersk is a global leader in integrated logistics and supply chain management. For more than a century, the company has played a major role in connecting businesses and consumers through international trade.
Today, Maersk continues to lead innovation within the logistics industry by investing in technology, sustainability, and operational excellence. The company believes in creating opportunities for growth, learning, and career development while building a diverse and inclusive workforce.
For young people entering the job market, gaining experience with an internationally recognised company like Maersk can be a significant advantage.
What Is the YES Learnership Programme?
The YES Learnership Programme is a structured 12-month workplace learning opportunity designed to help unemployed youth gain practical work experience.
Participants are placed within various business functions where they perform meaningful work while learning how professional organisations operate.
The programme focuses on developing workplace readiness, professional behaviour, communication skills, teamwork, customer service skills, and operational knowledge.
By the end of the programme, participants will have gained valuable exposure that can strengthen future job applications and improve long-term career prospects.
Available Locations
For the 2026/2027 intake, opportunities are available in:
- Durban
- Johannesburg
- Cape Town
Successful applicants may be placed within various Maersk offices and operational sites depending on business requirements.
What Learners Will Do
During the programme, learners will provide support across different business functions.
Responsibilities may include:
- Administrative support
- Customer service assistance
- Operational support
- Data capturing and reporting
- Team collaboration
- General business support activities
- Assisting with logistics and supply chain operations
The practical exposure gained during the programme helps learners develop skills that are highly valued by employers across multiple industries.
Minimum Requirements
To qualify for the programme, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Must be a South African citizen
- Must have completed Grade 12 (Matric)
- Additional qualifications will be advantageous
- Must not be permanently employed
- Must have less than two years of work experience
- Must be between 18 and 30 years old
- Must be willing to commit to the full 12-month programme
- Must not have participated in a YES Learnership previously
Skills and Qualities Required
Maersk is looking for candidates who demonstrate:
- Strong communication skills
- Computer literacy
- Positive attitude
- Good time management
- Ability to learn quickly
- Teamwork skills
- Professional behaviour
- Strong academic performance
- Willingness to grow and develop
These qualities often play an important role in determining success within the programme.
Why This Opportunity Matters
One of the biggest challenges facing South African youth is obtaining workplace experience. Many employers require experience, but gaining that first opportunity can be difficult.
The Maersk YES Learnership Programme helps bridge that gap by giving young people access to a professional work environment where they can learn, grow, and build confidence.
Participants gain practical experience that can strengthen their CVs and improve future employment opportunities across multiple sectors.
Experience within logistics and supply chain management can also open doors to careers in:
- Administration
- Operations
- Customer service
- Supply chain management
- Transport and logistics
- Business support services
Benefits of Joining the Programme
Participants may benefit from:
- Valuable workplace experience
- Exposure to a global company
- Professional skills development
- Improved employability
- Networking opportunities
- Career growth potential
- Enhanced CV and work profile
For many young people, programmes like this become an important stepping stone toward permanent employment.
Final Thoughts
The Maersk YES Learnership 2026/2027 presents an excellent opportunity for unemployed South African youth who are eager to gain workplace experience and develop professional skills.
With opportunities available in Durban, Johannesburg, and Cape Town, the programme offers exposure to one of the world’s leading logistics companies while helping participants build a foundation for future career success.
If you meet the requirements and are committed to personal and professional growth, this opportunity is worth considering.
How to Apply
Click here to apply in DurbanClick here to apply in Johannesburg
Click here to apply in Cape Town