Unitrans is inviting applications from qualifying unemployed South African youth for a Truck Driver Learnership Opportunity leading to an Occupational Certificate: Truck Driver NQF Level 3. The programme is designed for individuals who want to build a career in professional driving and develop practical skills within the transport, logistics and supply chain industry.

The learnership offers an opportunity to gain structured training that combines classroom-based learning with practical workplace experience. Successful candidates will receive training in professional truck driving, road safety, efficient vehicle operation and other important areas required in the modern transport industry.

Applications are open for opportunities in KwaZulu-Natal, Cape Town and Gauteng. Interested candidates should make sure that they meet all the minimum requirements before submitting an application.

Job Details

Job Title: Truck Driver Learnership Opportunity
Reference Number: UNI260817-8
Business Unit / Division: Administration
Contract: HR Training Academy
Job Type: Temporary – Learnership
Programme: Occupational Certificate: Truck Driver NQF Level 3
Location: KwaZulu-Natal, Cape Town and Gauteng
Country: South Africa
Minimum Education: Grade 12 / National Certificate
Closing Date: 28 August 2026

About the Unitrans Truck Driver Learnership

The Unitrans Truck Driver Learnership is aimed at developing individuals who are interested in pursuing professional driving as a long-term career. The transport and logistics industry plays an important role in moving goods across South Africa, creating a need for properly trained, responsible and safety-conscious professional drivers.

The programme combines theoretical learning, workplace training and practical driving experience. Candidates will be expected to attend compulsory classroom training and complete practical driving hours in a workplace environment.

The learnership is expected to run for approximately 12 to 18 months, depending on the programme requirements and the learner’s progress. During this period, learners will have the opportunity to develop the knowledge and practical skills needed to operate heavy vehicles safely and efficiently.

Candidates should understand that this is a temporary learnership opportunity and that completion of the programme does not automatically guarantee permanent employment. However, gaining an Occupational Certificate and practical experience can provide valuable preparation for future opportunities within the transport and logistics sector.

Minimum Requirements

Applicants must meet the requirements specified by Unitrans before applying.

• The first requirement is that applicants must be South African citizens.
• Applicants must also have a valid Code EC driver’s licence together with a Professional Driving Permit (PrDP). The advert specifies categories D, G and P.
• A certified copy of the Matric certificate must also be provided as part of the application.
• Candidates must be medically fit and willing to work according to the operational requirements of the transport industry. This includes being available 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. This qualification is not listed as a compulsory requirement, but applicants with relevant post-school qualifications may have an added advantage.
• Applicants should carefully check their documents before submitting an application to ensure that all required information is available.

Skills and Personal Attributes

• Unitrans is looking for candidates who can demonstrate responsibility, discipline and a strong commitment to road safety.
• A safety-first mindset is important for professional truck drivers. Candidates should understand the importance of following traffic laws, company procedures and safe driving practices when operating heavy vehicles.
• Good judgement on the road is also important. Truck drivers are responsible for making appropriate decisions in different traffic, weather and road conditions. Candidates should therefore be able to remain calm and make responsible decisions while working under pressure.
• A strong customer-focused approach is another important attribute. Professional drivers can interact with customers, suppliers and other people during deliveries and other transport-related activities.
• Candidates should also have problem-solving skills and the confidence to make decisions independently when necessary.
• Technology is becoming increasingly important in the transport industry. Modern trucks and fleet operations may use telematics, onboard systems and other digital technologies to monitor vehicles, improve efficiency and support safer operations. Applicants should therefore be comfortable using technology and willing to learn how modern transport systems work.
• Reliability and discipline are also important. Learners are expected to attend training, complete practical requirements and follow workplace rules throughout the programme.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Successful learners will participate in a structured programme that combines classroom theory, workplace learning and practical driving.
• One of the main responsibilities will be to complete the 12-to-18-month training programme. The programme includes theoretical instruction as well as practical workplace experience.
• Learners will be required to attend compulsory face-to-face classroom training. Attendance and participation in the classroom component are important because learners must demonstrate competence in the required areas.
• Practical workplace training will also form a major part of the programme. Learners must complete a minimum of 100 practical driving hours in the workplace before the final assessment.
• During the practical component, learners will be expected to apply safe and efficient driving practices. This includes following legislated road safety requirements and applying appropriate standards for energy-efficient vehicle operation.
• The programme will also prepare learners for the final assessment process. Candidates must complete a final assessment for competence as well as the compulsory External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA).

Successful completion of the required training and assessments is important for obtaining the relevant Occupational Certificate.

Why Consider a Truck Driving Learnership?

A truck driving learnership can provide valuable practical experience for people interested in professional driving and the broader transport industry.

Professional driving requires more than simply knowing how to operate a vehicle. Drivers need an understanding of road safety, vehicle operation, workplace procedures, customer service and responsible decision-making.

The Unitrans programme provides structured training that allows learners to develop these skills in both classroom and workplace environments.

The transport industry also continues to rely heavily on professional drivers to move goods between different locations. Developing recognised qualifications and practical experience can therefore help candidates prepare for future employment opportunities in trucking, logistics, fleet operations and related areas.

The programme also introduces learners to modern transport technology. Familiarity with telematics and onboard vehicle systems can be useful as fleet operations become increasingly technology-driven.

Required Supporting Documents

Applicants should prepare the required supporting documents before submitting an application.

The advert states that candidates must attach certified copies that are not older than three months of the required documents.

These include:

• Certified copy of South African ID.
• Certified copy of Matric certificate.
• Certified copy of valid Code EC driver’s licence.
• Certified copy of Professional Driving Permit (PrDP).
• Certified copies of other relevant qualifications, where applicable.

Applicants should make sure that the copies are properly certified and meet the stated requirements. Documents that do not meet the requirements may affect the application.

Candidates with a degree or diploma in logistics, supply chain management, transport economics or a related field should also include proof of the qualification where required.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit their applications through the Unitrans recruitment portal.

Before submitting an application, candidates should carefully review the vacancy requirements and ensure that all required documents are available.

The correct reference number for this opportunity is UNI260817-8. Applicants should use the correct vacancy when completing the online application.

It is advisable to complete the application carefully and check all information before submitting it. Incorrect personal information, missing documents or failure to meet the minimum requirements may affect an application.

Candidates should also keep copies of the documents and information submitted for their records.

Closing Date

The closing date for the Unitrans Truck Driver Learnership Opportunity is 28 August 2026.

Applicants should submit their applications before the closing date. Waiting until the final day can create unnecessary problems if there are technical difficulties with the recruitment portal or if additional documents are required.

Only candidates who meet the specified requirements should apply.

Important Information for Applicants

The opportunity is specifically aimed at qualifying unemployed South African youth. Applicants should carefully check their eligibility before submitting an application.

The position is classified as a temporary learnership, meaning candidates should not assume that the programme is a permanent employment position.

Candidates should also be prepared for the demands of professional truck driving. The programme requires classroom attendance, practical driving experience, assessments and compliance with workplace and road safety standards.

Willingness to work shifts, weekends and public holidays is part of the stated requirements.

Applicants should ensure that their driver’s licence and PrDP are valid and that all certification requirements are met before applying.

Final Reminder

The Unitrans Truck Driver Learnership Opportunity provides qualifying unemployed South African youth with an opportunity to gain structured training and practical experience in professional truck driving.

The programme leads to an Occupational Certificate: Truck Driver NQF Level 3 and includes classroom training, workplace learning, at least 100 practical driving hours and formal assessments.

Interested candidates who meet the requirements should prepare their certified documents and submit their applications through the Unitrans recruitment portal before 28 August 2026.