Applying for the Rohlig-Grindrod YES Programme in Freight and Logistics

How hiring for this YES logistics programme usually works

The Youth Employment Service (YES) initiative gives unemployed South Africans under 35 a full year of quality work experience inside established companies. In large logistics and freight forwarding operations like Rohlig-Grindrod, a YES programme is not just a temporary placement. It functions as a talent pipeline for entry-level operations, customer service, and administrative roles.

Applications for this intake close in August 2026 ahead of a 2027 start at the head office in Linbro Park, near Sandton. Corporate supply chain recruiters plan far in advance because logistics requires thorough background checks and structured onboarding.

When you apply for a freight forwarding vacancy, your application goes through an automated screening process first. The system automatically filters for citizenship, age, employment status, and Matric marks. Candidates who meet the basic criteria are usually invited to complete basic numerical and verbal reasoning assessments before any face-to-face or virtual interview happens.

In freight forwarding, precision is everything. A single wrong digit on a bill of lading or customs declaration can stall a shipment for days. Because of this, recruiters look closely at how carefully you follow instructions during the application phase.

What to put on your CV for this role

Your CV needs to show that you have the foundational skills to survive in a busy freight and supply chain environment. Because this is an entry-level youth programme aimed at Matriculants, recruiters do not expect years of corporate experience. They do, however, want evidence of reliability, clear communication, and numerical competence.

Structure your CV to highlight these elements right at the top:

• Your Matric results summary, specifically highlighting your marks for English and Mathematics.
• Any part-time, seasonal, or volunteer work where you dealt directly with customers, managed cash, or kept stock records.
• Computer literacy details, including familiarity with Microsoft Excel, Word, or basic data entry tools.
• Clear contact details, your current location in Gauteng, and your confirmation of South African citizenship.

When describing your past experience, focus on tasks that required detail and pressure management. If you worked at a retail store over the holidays, mention how you handled customer enquiries or resolved stock discrepancies. If you managed admin for a school project or church youth group, highlight how you met tight deadlines and communicated with team members.

Avoid copying generic phrases like "hard-working team player" without context. Instead, state clearly where you demonstrated adaptability or solved a practical problem.

Documents and admin to sort out first

Before you hit submit, gather every required document and scan them clearly into digital formats. Large corporate hiring teams discard incomplete applications immediately rather than chasing candidates for missing files.

You will need a clean, legible PDF copy of your National Senior Certificate or official statement of results. Ensure your marks for English and Mathematics are clearly readable and match the minimum requirement of 50%.

Your barcoded South African ID or smart ID card must be scanned on both sides. Check that your certification stamps are recent, clear, and done at a police station or commissioner of oaths.

Because YES programmes are legally restricted to first-time participants who are currently unemployed, you should prepare to confirm your status. Your ID number will be checked against the national Youth Employment Service database. If you have already completed a 12-month YES programme with another employer, the system will flag your application and disqualify you automatically.

Consider your daily commute early. The head office in Linbro Park sits in a major commercial zone between Sandton, Alexandra, and Greenstone. If you are shortlisted, recruiters will ask how you plan to travel to the office reliably every workday.

Mistakes that get applications binned

Most rejections for entry-level logistics learnerships and YES vacancies happen during the initial document check, long before a manager sees your name. Understanding these common failure points helps you avoid an unnecessary rejection.

Submitting a Mathematics mark below 50% or leaving out your subject breakdown entirely is an immediate disqualifier. Double-check your official Matric document before attaching it to your application.

Uploading low-resolution photos taken with a phone camera in poor lighting is another common mistake. If a recruiter cannot read your ID number or subject symbols, your application goes straight into the decline pile. Use a free scanning app to create clear, professional PDF files.

Spelling errors on your CV show a lack of attention to detail. In freight forwarding, accuracy in written communication is critical. Read your CV aloud or ask someone else to check it for typos before uploading.

Finally, do not wait until the final deadline in August 2026 to submit. Recruiters often begin processing applications in batches as they come in. Applying early gives your profile a better chance of being reviewed while the hiring team is actively screening.