MSC Learnership Programme 2026
Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) invites suitably qualified applicants to apply for the MSC Learnership Programme 2026. This learnership is designed for young people who want to build a long-term career in the maritime, shipping, and international trade industry. The programme is fully funded by MSC and offers both theoretical learning and real workplace experience, making it one of the strongest learnership opportunities available to youth.
If you have Matric, enjoy working with computers, and want to understand how global trade and shipping work, this learnership could open doors you never thought possible.
Why the MSC Learnership Is a Big Opportunity
MSC is one of the largest shipping companies in the world, operating across continents and handling millions of containers every year. Being trained by a company of this size gives you exposure to global standards, real industry knowledge, and recognised qualifications that matter in the job market.
Many young people struggle to find work because they lack experience. This learnership is built to solve that problem by combining studies, hands-on training, and a monthly stipend. You do not just learn in class. You learn by doing the job.
What the MSC Learnership Programme Is About
Each year, MSC runs a structured learnership programme to give young people a chance to gain skills and qualifications in the maritime and logistics sector. The programme is divided into three clear phases, and each phase lasts 12 months.
This means the full programme runs over three years, but each year gives you a recognised qualification that you can use even if you do not continue to the next phase.
The Three Phases of the MSC Learnership
The MSC learnership is carefully designed to build your knowledge step by step.
Phase 1: National Certificate in International Trade
In this phase, you will learn:
- How international trade works
- How goods move between countries
- Basic trade rules and documentation
- How businesses buy and sell across borders
This phase helps you understand the foundation of global trade.
Phase 2: National Certificate in Freight Forwarding and Customs Compliance
This phase focuses on:
- Freight forwarding processes
- Customs rules and compliance
- Import and export procedures
- Documentation and legal requirements
These skills are highly valuable and in demand in shipping, logistics, and customs-related jobs.
Phase 3: Further Education and Training Certificate in Shipping
In the final phase, you will focus on:
- Shipping operations
- Maritime industry practices
- Port and vessel-related processes
- Advanced workplace skills
By the end of this phase, you will have a strong understanding of how the shipping industry works from start to finish.
What You Receive During the Learnership
MSC does not expect learners to pay for anything related to their studies. The company invests fully in your development.
What MSC Covers for Learners
- Full cost of studies for each qualification
- A monthly stipend to support you financially
- An annual bonus, based on performance and meeting programme criteria
- Practical workplace experience at MSC
- Nationally recognised qualifications after each phase
The annual bonus depends on things like:
- Attendance
- Completing assessments
- Good conduct and discipline
- Commitment to the programme
Who Can Apply for the MSC Learnership?
This programme is aimed at young people who are serious about learning and building a professional career.
Minimum Requirements
To qualify, you must:
- Have Matric
- Achieve at least a C aggregate, including Mathematics
- Be computer literate
- Be hardworking and reliable
- Be organised and methodical in how you work
- Have good communication skills
Age Requirement
- Preference will be given to youth from designated groups under the age of 25
Having some work experience is helpful, but it is not the most important factor. MSC looks for learners who are committed, focused, and willing to grow.
Important Conditions You Must Understand
Before applying, it is important to know that:
- Learners must complete the full learnership in the region where they are placed
- The region cannot be changed during the programme
- You are expected to commit fully for the duration of each phase
- This is a structured programme with clear rules and expectations
This means you must be ready to stay disciplined and consistent throughout the learnership.
What Skills You Will Build During the Programme
By completing the MSC learnership, you will gain:
- Strong computer and administrative skills
- Knowledge of international trade and shipping
- Understanding of customs and compliance rules
- Workplace discipline and professionalism
- Communication and teamwork skills
- A solid CV with recognised qualifications
These skills can help you find work in shipping companies, logistics firms, freight forwarders, ports, and international trade businesses.
Why This Learnership Is Worth Applying For
The maritime and logistics sector plays a major role in South Africa’s economy. Skills in this field are not limited to one company or one country. They are globally relevant.
Completing a learnership with MSC gives you:
- Training from a global company
- Qualifications that employers respect
- Real work experience, not just theory
- A stronger chance of employment after completion
For young people who want more than short-term work, this learnership offers a path toward a real career.
A Smart Step for Your Future
Opportunities like the MSC Learnership 2026 do not come around often. It is designed for youth who are ready to work hard, learn new skills, and commit to long-term growth.
If you meet the requirements and want to enter the shipping and maritime industry with proper training and support, this programme could be the opportunity that sets your future in motion.
