Are you a motivated, unemployed South African youth looking to kickstart your career in logistics and operations? TotalEnergies Marketing South Africa (Pty) Ltd has officially opened applications for its Supply Chain Learnership Programme for the 2026 intake. Based at the Alrode Depot in Alberton, Gauteng, this structured 12-month programme offers an exceptional entry point into the energy and oil sector.

This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know about the position, including dynamic operational responsibilities, daily stipends, essential entry requirements, and expert alignment tips to help your application stand out via the TotalEnergies careers portal.

Strategic Overview of the TotalEnergies Learnership

TotalEnergies Marketing South Africa is a key player in the downstream energy sector, managing an extensive network of service stations, manufacturing plants, and storage depots across the country. The Alrode operational hub handles heavy-volume product storage, scheduling, and distribution logistics.

Entering a corporate environment like TotalEnergies via a Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) aligned learnership allows you to bridge the gap between academic theory and practical, real-world workplace experience. For youth navigating the competitive South African job market, this chance provides both a structured learning pathway and immediate exposure to global corporate health, safety, environment, and quality (HSEQ) standards.

Position Overview and Core Specifications

Understanding the formal framework of a job vacancy helps you align your curriculum vitae (CV) with what human resource managers look for. Below is an overview of how this position is structured within TotalEnergies Marketing South Africa:

Attribute	Specification Details
Hiring Employer	TotalEnergies Marketing South Africa (Pty) Ltd
Programme Type	Registered Learnership Framework
Core Business Domain	Operations & Logistics Logistics
Operational Workplace	25–27 Potgieter Street, Alrode, Alberton, Gauteng, South Africa
Contractual Duration	12-Month Fixed-Term Contract
Required Experience	Less than 3 years of formal employment
Target Audience	Unemployed South African Citizens (Youth)
Closing Date	Not Specified / Continuous Review until filled

Demystifying the Role: Day-to-Day Operational Activities

Many entry-level applicants struggle because they do not fully understand what a Supply Chain Learner does on a daily basis. At the Alrode depot, operations move quickly, requiring precision, strict adherence to safety rules, and continuous communication.

As a successful learner, you will not just observe; you will be actively integrated into the daily operations team. Your primary focus areas will span across three distinct pillars of modern depot logistics:

1. Stock Control, Inventory Management, and Material Tracking

• Assisting with real-time stock counting, reconciling physical inventory against system values, and reporting deviations.

• Tracking incoming supply shipments from refineries and monitoring outflows to commercial clients and retail stations.

• Learning to navigate enterprise resource planning (ERP) software, such as SAP, to log transactional data accurately.

• Supporting the receiving and dispatching teams by verifying delivery notes, waybills, and certificates of analysis.

2. Transport Logistics, Scheduling, and Dispatch Coordination

• Gaining exposure to the scheduling mechanisms that dictate when road tankers are loaded and routed.

• Interfacing with fleet drivers to hand over loading instructions and essential safety documentation.

• Learning how to optimize delivery routes to minimize turnaround times and maintain supply chain continuity.

• Assisting supervisors in monitoring key performance indicators (KPIs) related to delivery accuracy and on-time performance.

3. Compliance, Safety Reporting, and Operational Quality Assurances

• Participating in daily safety toolbox talks and operational shift handovers.

• Documenting and reporting potential workplace hazards, near-misses, or equipment anomalies to the safety officer.

• Learning standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the safe handling, storage, and transfer of petroleum products.

• Keeping workplace filing systems, audit trails, and administrative records updated for internal compliance checks.

Core Skills and Competencies Gained

This 12-month contract is specifically designed as a dual-benefit framework. While you contribute your labor to the Alrode operations team, TotalEnergies invests heavily in your professional development. By the conclusion of this fixed term, you will have built a competitive professional profile featuring:

• Practical Workplace Foundation: First-hand experience working in a high-volume, high-stakes bulk storage environment.

• Corporate Technical Fluency: Comfort with complex digital logistics dashboards, computerized inventory trackers, and internal communication protocols.

• HSEQ Mindset: Training in strict international safety standards, making you a highly attractive candidate for any future heavy-industry role.

• Professional Soft Skills: Development in corporate communication, structured problem-solving, time management under pressure, and cross-functional team collaboration.

Minimum Admission and Selection Requirements

To ensure a fair screening process that complies with the Employment Equity Act, TotalEnergies applies strict baseline filters to all incoming applications. Review the criteria below carefully before submitting your documentation:

Formal Education and Academic Benchmarks

• Matric / Grade 12 Certificate: You must hold a valid National Senior Certificate (NSC) or equivalent qualification with a pass rate that demonstrates clear literacy and numeracy skills.

• Advantageous Tertiary Qualifications: While a Matric certificate is the baseline, candidates who possess or are currently studying towards a Higher Certificate, Diploma, or Advanced Diploma in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, or Road Transport Logistics will hold a distinct competitive edge.

Technical and Digital Capabilities

• Computer Literacy: You must possess functional skills in operating computers. This includes navigating directories, managing digital files, and using standard productivity software.

• MS Office Proficiency: Basic comfort with Microsoft Excel (data entry, simple formulas), Microsoft Word (report compilation), and Microsoft Outlook (professional email correspondence) is non-negotiable.

Interpersonal, Behavioral, and Cultural Traits

• Clear Communication: Ability to speak, read, and write English efficiently to maintain safety protocols within the depot.

• Reliability and Accuracy: A strong eye for detail, as small mistakes in supply chain administration can result in significant operational delays or safety risks.

• Coachability: A genuine willingness to follow instructions, respect workplace hierarchies, accept constructive feedback, and show initiative in learning new skills.

Understanding South African Learnership Frameworks

In South Africa, a learnership is a legally binding, tripartite agreement entered into by the learner, the employer (TotalEnergies), and the relevant Sector Education and Training Authority (such as CHIETA or TETA). Unlike a standard short course or temporary job, this setup blends structured institutional learning with practical, on-the-job training.

Employment Equity Alignment

TotalEnergies Marketing South Africa is committed to transformation, diversity, and inclusion. This intake is aligned with the company’s Employment Equity plan, aiming to provide opportunities to previously disadvantaged individuals, particularly South African youth between the ages of 18 and 35. Designated groups, including female applicants and individuals living with disabilities who meet the operational safety requirements, are strongly encouraged to apply.

Step-by-Step Application Guide for the TotalEnergies Portal

TotalEnergies uses a cloud-based global applicant tracking system to manage recruitment. To ensure your application does not get filtered out by automated screening tools, follow this step-by-step submission strategy:

Step 1: Document Optimization and Preparation

Before opening the application portal, compile all necessary documents into clear, legible, and lightweight PDF files (ideally under 2MB per file). Label each document clearly with your name (e.g., Thabo_Modise_Matric_Certificate.pdf). Ensure you have the following ready:

• An updated, professional CV tailored to showcase attention to detail, computer skills, and any leadership or volunteer roles.

• A certified copy of your valid South African Green Barcoded ID or Smart ID Card (certification must be recent, typically within the last 3 to 6 months).

• A certified copy of your Matric Certificate displaying clear passing grades.

• Academic transcripts or graduation certificates for any tertiary qualifications in logistics or supply chain management, if applicable.

Step 2: Accessing the Career Portal

Navigate to the official TotalEnergies global careers webpage or search for the specific Alrode Supply Chain Learnership listing on verified platforms like LinkedIn Careers or the TotalEnergies South Africa regional site. Avoid using third-party scrapers that require you to pay a fee or enter sensitive personal data; the official application process is completely free.

Step 3: Profile Creation and Questionnaire Alignment

If you are a new applicant, you must create a secure user profile using a valid email address and mobile number that you monitor daily. Fill out the personal details sections accurately, ensuring your demographic information matches your ID document. You may be asked to complete a baseline pre-screening questionnaire regarding your geographic location, your highest qualification, and your previous employment history.

Step 4: Digital CV Parsing and Review

Upload your tailored CV into the portal’s parsing engine. Review the automatically populated fields to ensure that your employment history (if any), educational landmarks, and contact details are organized correctly without formatting bugs.

Step 5: Final Verification and Submission

Double-check that you have attached your Matric certificate and ID copy in the designated upload slots. Once you submit your application, you will receive an automated confirmation email containing a unique reference number. Keep this number safe for future tracking.

Expert Tips to Make Your CV Stand Out

Competition for corporate learnerships in Gauteng is exceptionally high. To help your application rise to the top of the pile, use these practical adjustments:

• Focus on Keywords: The digital screening tools look for specific terms found in the job description. Make sure words like inventory tracking, MS Excel, communication, accuracy, safety protocols, and teamwork are naturally integrated into your personal profile and skills summary.

• Highlight Analytical Skills: If you did well in Mathematics, Mathematical Literacy, or Accounting during Matric, highlight those grades. Supply chain environments require basic mental math and comfort with numbers.

• Demonstrate Local Proximity: Because this position is based on-site at the Alrode Depot in Alberton, recruiters often prefer candidates who live within a reasonable commuting distance or have reliable transport to the area. If you live in Alberton, Germiston, Johannesburg South, or Katlehong, make sure your residential address is clear on your CV.

• Keep it Concise: For an entry-level learnership, your CV should not exceed two pages. Keep your formatting clean, use standard professional fonts (like Arial or Calibri), and use bullet points rather than dense paragraphs.

Avoid Common Recruitment Scams

The South African youth job market faces challenges with fraudulent recruitment operations. Protect yourself by keeping these guidelines in mind:

• Zero Cost: TotalEnergies will never ask you to pay an application fee, processing fee, medical examination fee, or training deposit. If an individual or agency asks for money to secure your spot, it is a scam.

• Official Communication Channels: Valid interview invitations and communication will originate from official company email addresses ending in @totalenergies.com or via their verified recruitment platform. Be cautious of correspondence coming from free webmail accounts like Gmail, Yahoo, or WhatsApp.

• Secure Locations: Genuine interviews will always take place at the official TotalEnergies corporate offices or directly at the Alrode Depot facility, never in public spaces or residential areas.

Important Notices for Prospective Applicants

Candidates who advance past the initial screening phase will undergo a comprehensive vetting process before final selection. This protocol ensures corporate compliance and safety within a high-risk petrochemical environment.

Verification and Background Checks

• Academic Verification: All submitted Matric certificates and tertiary diplomas will be cross-checked against the National Learners’ Records Database (NLRD) and Umalusi to confirm validity.

• Identity and Criminal Record Screenings: Standard biometric checks and criminal record background reviews are mandatory for all prospective corporate employees.

• Medical Fitness Assessments: Given that the Alrode hub is an active industrial environment handling hazardous chemicals, final candidates may need to complete a occupational health assessment to ensure they can work safely on-site.

Continuous Application Review

Because this vacancy does not list a specific closing date, the human resources team reviews applications continuously as they come in. The listing will remain open until the ideal candidate is found and successfully onboarded. To maximize your chances of success, gather your certified documents and submit your application as soon as possible. If you do not receive a response within six weeks of your submission, consider your application unsuccessful for this specific intake cycle.