MSC Learnership Programme 2026 | Apply for Maritime Learnerships in Durban, Johannesburg, Pretoria and Port Elizabeth

MSC (Mediterranean Shipping Company) is inviting unemployed South African youth to apply for its 2026 Learnership Programme, available in Durban, Johannesburg, Pretoria, and Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha). This exciting opportunity offers successful applicants the chance to gain nationally recognised qualifications while receiving practical workplace experience within one of the world’s largest shipping and logistics companies.

The programme is fully funded by MSC and includes a monthly stipend, annual performance bonus, and accredited qualifications in international trade, freight forwarding, customs compliance, and shipping.

If you have Matric with Mathematics and are interested in building a career in logistics, shipping, freight forwarding, international trade, or supply chain management, this could be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for.

About MSC

Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) is one of the world’s largest container shipping and logistics companies, operating in more than 150 countries. The company provides integrated transport solutions covering sea freight, land transport, air cargo, logistics, warehousing, and supply chain services.

With thousands of employees worldwide, MSC is recognised for its commitment to innovation, customer service, sustainability, and employee development. Every year, the company invests in young South Africans by offering structured learnership programmes that prepare learners for careers in the maritime and logistics industries.

MSC’s core values include:

• We Are a Family Company
• We Have Passion
• We Are in Continuous Evolution
• We Care for People
• We Believe in Equal Opportunities

These values guide the company’s culture and commitment to developing future industry professionals.

Learnership Overview

Programme

MSC Learnership Programme 2026

Company

Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC)

Employment Type

Learnership

Available Locations

• Durban
• Johannesburg
• Pretoria
• Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha)

Applicants must complete the programme in the region where they are accepted, as transfers between regions are not permitted.

About the Learnership

MSC’s learnership programme has been developed to prepare young South Africans for careers within the international shipping and logistics industry.

The programme combines classroom learning with practical workplace experience, allowing learners to gain valuable industry knowledge while earning recognised qualifications.

The learnership is divided into three phases, with each phase running for 12 months.

Learnership Structure

Phase 1

National Certificate in International Trade

Learners are introduced to international trade principles, import and export procedures, customer service, and global business operations.

Phase 2

National Certificate in Freight Forwarding and Customs Compliance

Learners gain knowledge of freight forwarding processes, customs documentation, cargo movement, and logistics operations.

Phase 3

Further Education and Training Certificate in Shipping

The final phase focuses on shipping operations, maritime procedures, transport management, customer service, and industry regulations.

Each phase includes practical workplace experience alongside formal classroom learning.

What MSC Provides

Successful learners will receive:

• Fully funded studies
• Monthly stipend
• Annual performance bonus
• Workplace experience
• Nationally recognised qualification after each phase
• Practical industry exposure
• Professional development

This makes the programme an excellent opportunity for young South Africans seeking a long-term career in logistics and shipping.

Minimum Requirements

Applicants must have:

• South African Matric (Grade 12)
• Minimum C aggregate
• Mathematics as a subject
• Computer literacy
• Good communication skills
• Strong work ethic
• Reliability
• Methodical approach to work

Preferred Applicants

MSC will give preference to:

• Youth under the age of 25
• Candidates from designated groups
• Individuals committed to completing the full programme

Skills and Competencies

The ideal learner should demonstrate:

Communication Skills

• Verbal communication
• Written communication
• Customer service
• Team collaboration

Computer Skills

• Microsoft Office
• Email communication
• Basic computer literacy
• Data capturing

Personal Qualities

• Hardworking
• Reliable
• Honest
• Organised
• Self-motivated
• Professional

Workplace Skills

• Time management
• Attention to detail
• Problem-solving
• Teamwork
• Adaptability

Why Choose a Career in Shipping and Logistics?

The shipping and logistics industry is one of the largest employers worldwide.

Professionals in this sector support:

• International trade
• Import and export operations
• Customs compliance
• Freight forwarding
• Warehousing
• Supply chain management
• Port operations
• Global transportation

With international trade continuing to grow, qualified logistics professionals remain in high demand.

Benefits of Joining the MSC Learnership

Successful learners will benefit from:

• Fully funded qualifications
• Monthly financial support
• Practical workplace experience
• Exposure to international logistics
• Career development
• Industry-recognised training
• Opportunity to build a long-term career

Completing the programme also strengthens a learner’s CV and improves future employment prospects within the shipping, logistics, and transport sectors.

Career Opportunities After Completion

Graduates of the programme may pursue careers as:

• Shipping Clerk
• Freight Forwarding Administrator
• Logistics Coordinator
• Customs Compliance Officer
• Import and Export Administrator
• Shipping Operations Officer
• Customer Service Consultant
• Supply Chain Administrator
• Transport Coordinator
• Documentation Clerk

How to Apply

Interested applicants should submit their applications through the official MSC Careers website before the closing date.

Documents Commonly Required

Prepare the following documents before applying:

• Updated CV
• Certified South African ID
• Certified Matric Certificate
• Academic Record (if applicable)
• Contactable References

Ensure all information is accurate and your contact details are up to date.

10 MSC Learnership Interview Questions and Answers

1. Tell us about yourself.

Answer: I am a hardworking and motivated individual who wants to build a career in the shipping and logistics industry.

2. Why do you want to join MSC?

Answer: MSC is one of the world’s leading shipping companies and offers excellent opportunities for learning and career growth.

3. Why are you interested in logistics?

Answer: Logistics connects businesses worldwide and offers exciting opportunities to work in international trade.

4. What are your strengths?

Answer: I am reliable, organised, eager to learn, and work well in a team.

5. Can you work under pressure?

Answer: Yes. I remain calm, organised, and focused on completing tasks accurately.

6. Why is customer service important?

Answer: Good customer service builds trust and helps companies maintain strong relationships with clients.

7. Are you willing to complete all three phases?

Answer: Yes. I understand the importance of completing the full programme to gain the required qualifications and experience.

8. Why should MSC choose you?

Answer: I am committed to learning, hardworking, and eager to build a successful career with MSC.

9. Can you relocate?

Answer: I understand that I must complete the learnership in the region where I am selected.

10. Where do you see yourself in five years?

Answer: I hope to be working successfully within the shipping and logistics industry while continuing to develop professionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the programme?

The learnership consists of three phases, with each phase lasting 12 months.

Will learners receive a stipend?

Yes. MSC provides a monthly stipend and an annual performance bonus for learners who meet attendance, assessment, and conduct requirements.

Is the training accredited?

Yes. Learners obtain nationally recognised qualifications after successfully completing each phase.

Can I change regions after being selected?

No. Learners must complete the programme in the region where they are accepted.

What qualification is required?

Applicants must have Matric with a minimum C aggregate, including Mathematics.

Who can apply?

South African youth, preferably under the age of 25, who meet the programme requirements.

Final Thoughts

The MSC Learnership Programme 2026 provides an outstanding opportunity for unemployed South African youth to gain valuable qualifications and practical experience within the global shipping and logistics industry. With fully funded studies, a monthly stipend, an annual bonus, and nationally recognised qualifications, this programme offers an excellent pathway into one of the world’s fastest-growing industries.

If you meet the minimum requirements and are ready to begin a rewarding career in maritime logistics, submit your application through the official MSC Careers portal and take the first step toward your future with one of the world’s leading shipping companies.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY