Unitrans is offering unemployed South African youth a truck driver learnership that leads to the Occupational Certificate: Truck Driver at NQF Level 3.
The programme runs for 12 to 18 months and combines classroom learning, workplace training and at least 100 practical driving hours. Opportunities are available in KwaZulu-Natal, Cape Town and Gauteng.
Applications close on 7 September 2026.
What qualification does the learnership lead to?
Successful learners will work towards the Occupational Certificate: Truck Driver, NQF Level 3.
The programme combines formal training with practical driving experience, giving participants a structured route into professional road freight and transport work.
Learners must also complete a final competency assessment and the External Integrated Summative Assessment.
What will learners be trained to do?
The programme develops practical driving skills alongside road safety, vehicle operation and professional transport standards.
Learners will:
- Complete classroom-based training
- Receive on-the-job instruction
- Log at least 100 practical driving hours
- Apply road-safety standards
- Learn energy-efficient driving practices
- Prepare for the final competency assessment
- Complete the required EISA
Attendance at the face-to-face training sessions is compulsory.
Why does technology matter in modern truck driving?
Professional driving is becoming more closely linked to telematics, digital fleet systems and data-driven transport management.
Unitrans specifically wants learners who are comfortable with technology and willing to work with on-board systems as its fleet develops.
This means the role involves more than vehicle control. Modern drivers increasingly work with digital systems that help companies monitor routes, fuel use, driver behaviour, vehicle performance and delivery efficiency.
For someone interested in logistics or transport, that technology exposure can be useful beyond the driver’s seat.
Who can apply?
Applicants must be South African citizens and need Grade 12 or an equivalent National Certificate.
They must also have:
- A valid Code EC driver’s licence
- A valid Professional Driving Permit covering categories D, G and P
- A certified Matric certificate
- Medical fitness for professional driving
- Availability for shifts, weekends and public holidays
A diploma or degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Transport Economics or a related field will be an advantage.
What kind of person is Unitrans looking for?
The programme is suited to someone who takes road safety seriously and can work reliably without constant supervision.
Important qualities include:
- Good judgement
- Customer focus
- Problem-solving ability
- Confidence when making decisions
- Comfort with technology
- Reliability
- Discipline
- Pride in professional work
These qualities matter in transport because drivers are responsible for vehicles, goods, road safety and customer deliveries.
How can this support a logistics career?
The learnership provides a direct route into professional driving while also introducing learners to the wider transport and supply chain industry.
Truck drivers work at the point where warehousing, distribution, fleet management and customer delivery come together.
Experience in a large transport business can therefore help learners understand areas such as:
- Road freight
- Distribution
- Fleet operations
- Logistics
- Supply chain services
- Transport compliance
- Telematics
- Delivery operations
For learners who later want to move into fleet supervision, transport coordination or logistics management, this kind of workplace exposure can provide a useful foundation.
Where are the opportunities available?
The learnership is available across several regions:
- KwaZulu-Natal
- Cape Town
- Gauteng
Applicants should make sure they can take part in the practical and classroom training required in the location where they apply.
What documents are needed?
Unitrans requires certified supporting documents that are no older than three months.
Applicants should prepare certified copies of:
- South African ID
- Code EC driver’s licence
- Professional Driving Permit
- Matric certificate
- Other qualifications, where applicable
Make sure the copies are clear and valid before uploading them.
How do you apply?
Applications must be submitted through the official Unitrans recruitment portal for the Truck Driver Learnership Opportunity, reference UNI260817-8.
Upload all required certified documents with the application and check that the information on your licence, PrDP and qualifications is correct.
Applications close on 7 September 2026.
