Unitrans has opened applications for its Truck Driver Learnership Opportunity 2026, aimed at qualifying unemployed South African youth who want to build a career in professional truck driving.
The learnership is available in KwaZulu-Natal, Cape Town and Gauteng and is offered on a temporary learnership basis. The programme is managed through the HR Training Academy under the Administration business unit.
The main purpose of the opportunity is to train participants towards the Occupational Certificate: Truck Driver NQF Level 3. The programme combines classroom learning, workplace training and practical driving experience.
The ideal candidate is a South African citizen with a valid Code EC driver’s licence and PrDP, as well as a Matric certificate. Candidates must also be medically fit and prepared to work shifts, weekends and public holidays.
The advert does not disclose a salary or stipend. Applications close on 7 September 2026.
Qualified candidates are encouraged to submit their applications before the closing date.
What is the Truck Driver Learnership Opportunity?
The Truck Driver Learnership is a structured training opportunity designed to prepare unemployed South African youth for professional driving careers in the transport and logistics sector.
The programme falls under Unitrans’ HR Training Academy and combines theoretical classroom instruction with practical workplace training. Participants are expected to develop the knowledge, driving ability and professional standards required to operate heavy vehicles safely and efficiently.
The programme runs for approximately 12 to 18 months. Successful learners will work towards the Occupational Certificate: Truck Driver NQF Level 3 and must complete the required practical training and assessments.
Participants also gain exposure to modern road-freight operations, including technology such as telematics and on-board vehicle systems.
Why could this opportunity be valuable?
A truck-driving learnership can provide practical experience in one of the major areas of the South African transport and supply chain industry.
Participants will develop professional driving skills, road-safety awareness, decision-making abilities, customer-service skills and familiarity with fleet technology.
The programme also provides workplace exposure rather than relying solely on classroom learning. Completing practical driving hours and formal assessments can help learners build experience relevant to professional driving and broader logistics operations.
These skills can be useful across transport, logistics, warehousing, distribution and road freight environments, where employers value drivers who understand safety, compliance, customer service and modern fleet systems.
Quick Overview
Item Details Opportunity Truck Driver Learnership Opportunity Company Unitrans Location KwaZulu-Natal, Cape Town and Gauteng Closing Date 7 September 2026 Salary/Stipend Not disclosed Employment Type Temporary – Learnership Industry Transportation, warehousing and supply chain services Target Group Qualifying unemployed South African youth Application Method Unitrans recruitment portal
What will successful candidates do?
Successful learners will participate in a structured programme combining formal education with practical workplace experience. Attendance at compulsory face-to-face classroom training will form part of the programme.
Learners will also spend time developing their practical driving abilities in the workplace. Before the final assessment, they are required to record at least 100 practical driving hours.
The programme also requires learners to demonstrate competence in safe and efficient vehicle operation and to complete the required final assessment and External Integrated Summative Assessment.
Main responsibilities include:
• Participate in classroom-based theoretical training and workplace learning.
• Complete the required practical driving hours under the learnership programme.
• Apply road-safety and energy-efficiency standards when operating vehicles.
• Develop the ability to work with telematics and on-board vehicle technology.
• Attend compulsory face-to-face training sessions.
• Complete the final competency assessment and compulsory EISA.
Who should apply?
This opportunity is suited to unemployed South African youth who already meet the required heavy-vehicle driving and professional permit requirements.
Applicants should have Grade 12/Matric and a valid Code EC driver’s licence with a PrDP in the categories specified in the advertisement.
The ideal candidate should demonstrate sound judgement, reliability and discipline, with a strong commitment to road safety. Good problem-solving and decision-making abilities are also important.
A qualification in logistics, supply chain management, transport economics or a related field may be advantageous, although the advert does not list it as a compulsory requirement.
Requirements
Applicants must meet all requirements specified in the advertisement:
- Must be a South African citizen.
- Must have a valid Code EC driver’s licence with a Professional Driving Permit (PrDP), categories D, G and P.
- Must provide a certified copy of the Matric certificate.
- Must be medically fit.
- Must be willing to work shifts, weekends and public holidays.
- A degree or diploma in logistics, supply chain management, transport economics or a related field will be advantageous.
- Applicants should have a safety-first mindset and sound judgement on the road.
- Applicants should have a strong customer focus.
- Applicants should have good problem-solving skills and confidence to make independent decisions.
- Applicants should be comfortable with technology and willing to work with telematics and on-board systems.
- Applicants should demonstrate reliability, discipline and pride in their work.
Salary or Stipend
The job advertisement does not disclose the salary or remuneration package.
No additional employee benefits were listed in the advert.
Important Working Conditions
The learnership requires participants to be medically fit and willing to work shifts, weekends and public holidays.
Learners must attend compulsory face-to-face classroom training and complete workplace-based practical driving requirements.
The programme requires a minimum of 100 practical driving hours before the final assessment.
The opportunity is available in KwaZulu-Natal, Cape Town and Gauteng.
Insider Tip
Insider Tip: Because this is a truck-driver learnership, make your CV clearly highlight your Code EC licence, PrDP, Matric qualification and any relevant driving, logistics or transport experience. Keep your supporting documents current and ensure the certified copies requested in the advert are ready before applying.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted through the Unitrans recruitment portal.
Applicants should ensure that their application information is complete and that they attach the required supporting documentation.
The advertisement specifically requests certified copies, not older than three months, of:
- South African ID
- Code EC driver’s licence with PrDP
- Matric certificate
- Other qualifications, where applicable
The closing date for applications is 7 September 2026.
Final Thoughts
The Unitrans Truck Driver Learnership is suited to unemployed South African youth who already hold the required Code EC licence and PrDP and want to develop professional driving skills.
The opportunity offers structured classroom learning, workplace exposure and practical driving experience while working towards an Occupational Certificate: Truck Driver NQF Level 3.
Interested candidates should check that they meet every requirement and have the requested certified documents ready before submitting their application.
Applicants who meet the requirements should submit their application before the closing date.