Transnet invites recently qualified South African artisans to apply for its Work Integrated Technical Learner (WITL) Programme 2026/2027. The programme offers practical workplace experience across various Transnet locations.
Successful applicants will gain valuable technical exposure, mentorship, and hands-on experience. However, applicants must meet the specific requirements for their chosen trade.
Applications close between 13 October and 15 October 2026, depending on the vacancy. Therefore, interested candidates should prepare their applications and apply before the relevant deadline.
Programme Details
- Programme Name: Transnet Work Integrated Technical Learner Programme
- Programme Period: 2026/2027
- Duration: 24 months
- Locations: Various sites across South Africa
- Target Applicants: Recently qualified artisans
- Required Qualification: Relevant Trade Test or Red Seal Certificate
- Work Experience: Less than one year after qualification
- Application Method: Online through the official Transnet careers portal
- Closing Dates: 13–15 October 2026
About the Transnet Work Integrated Technical Learner Programme
The Transnet Work Integrated Technical Learner Programme helps recently qualified artisans develop their practical skills. It allows participants to apply their technical knowledge in a real industrial working environment.
During the 24-month programme, learners will gain exposure to technical operations, maintenance activities, and workplace safety procedures. In addition, they will receive guidance from experienced professionals.
The programme is suitable for qualified artisans who need practical industry experience after completing their trade tests. However, it is not a traditional apprenticeship for candidates who have not yet obtained their trade qualifications.
Available Transnet Work Integrated Technical Learnerships 2026/2027
1. Work Integrated Technical Learner – Carpentry
Transnet Rail Infrastructure Manager is inviting applications for its Carpentry Work Integrated Technical Learner opportunity.
- Reference Number: req6002
- Locations: Cape Town, Durban, Richards Bay, Saldanha, East London, and Gqeberha
- Closing Date: 14 October 2026
Minimum Requirements:
- A recognised Carpentry Trade Test Certificate.
- Trade test completed within the previous four years.
- Applicants must be between 18 and 35 years old.
- Less than one year of post-qualification work experience.
Interested candidates should apply using the relevant reference number.
2. Work Integrated Technical Learner – Instrumentation
Transnet Engineering is offering an Instrumentation Work Integrated Technical Learner opportunity in Cape Town.
- Reference Number: req5971
- Location: Salt River, Cape Town
- Closing Date: 13 October 2026
Minimum Requirements:
- A Trade Tested Red Seal Certificate in Instrumentation.
- Trade test completed within the past four years.
- Applicants must be between 18 and 35 years old.
- Less than one year of post-qualification work experience.
- South African citizenship.
Additionally, applicants living with disabilities should attach a confirmation letter from a medical doctor where required.
3. Work Integrated Technical Learner – Plumbing (Transnet Engineering)
Transnet Engineering is recruiting qualified plumbing artisans for its technical learner programme.
- Reference Number: req5970
- Locations: Germiston, Koedoespoort, Bloemfontein, Uitenhage, and Durban
- Closing Date: 13 October 2026
Minimum Requirements:
- A recognised Plumbing Trade Test Certificate.
- Trade test completed within the previous four years.
- Applicants must be between 18 and 35 years old.
- Less than one year of post-qualification work experience.
- South African citizenship.
Candidates should confirm the full requirements on the official vacancy advertisement before applying.
4. Work Integrated Technical Learner – Plumbing (TRIM)
Transnet Rail Infrastructure Manager has another Plumbing opportunity under a separate reference number.
- Reference Number: req5986
- Locations: Durban, Richards Bay, Cape Town, East London, Gqeberha, and Saldanha
- Closing Date: 13 October 2026
Applicants with the relevant plumbing trade qualification and limited post-qualification experience should review this vacancy.
Please note that this opportunity has a separate reference number from the Transnet Engineering Plumbing position. Therefore, applicants should select the correct advertisement when submitting their applications.
5. Work Integrated Technical Learner – Diesel Mechanic
Transnet is also advertising a Diesel Mechanic Work Integrated Technical Learner opportunity in Gauteng.
- Reference Number: req5984
- Location: Johannesburg, Gauteng
- Closing Date: 15 October 2026
Applicants should hold the relevant Diesel Mechanic Trade Test or Red Seal Certificate. They must also satisfy the programme’s applicable age, citizenship, and work experience requirements.
Candidates should consult the official vacancy advertisement for the complete eligibility criteria.
General Requirements for Transnet Artisan Opportunities
Although requirements differ between vacancies, applicants should generally:
- Be South African citizens where specified.
- Be between 18 and 35 years old where required.
- Hold a relevant Trade Test or Red Seal Certificate.
- Have completed their trade test within the specified four-year period.
- Have less than one year of post-qualification work experience.
- Meet the specific requirements of their chosen trade.
Furthermore, applicants should ensure that their qualifications match the advertised position. Meeting the general requirements does not automatically guarantee selection.
Duties and Responsibilities
Successful candidates may perform various technical duties under appropriate supervision. These responsibilities may include:
- Conducting routine maintenance and technical repairs.
- Diagnosing faults and troubleshooting equipment problems.
- Maintaining tools, machinery, and equipment.
- Following workplace safety rules and technical procedures.
- Recording completed maintenance and repair work.
- Reporting progress and technical problems to supervisors.
- Participating in workplace training and mentorship activities.
Through these responsibilities, learners can strengthen their practical knowledge and improve their readiness for future artisan positions.
Benefits of the Transnet Work Integrated Technical Learner Programme
The 24-month programme offers recently qualified artisans an opportunity to develop workplace skills. Participants may benefit from:
- Practical experience in their respective trades.
- Exposure to industrial and railway operations.
- Guidance from experienced technical professionals.
- Opportunities to develop maintenance and fault-finding skills.
- Improved understanding of workplace health and safety.
- Relevant industry experience to support future career development.
However, applicants should confirm any additional benefits or conditions in the official vacancy advertisement. Participation does not guarantee permanent employment after the programme.
Employment Equity and Applicants with Disabilities
Transnet may consider suitably qualified candidates in accordance with its Employment Equity Plan and organisational requirements.
Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to review suitable vacancies. Where specified, candidates should provide the required medical confirmation documentation.
How to Apply for Transnet Work Integrated Technical Learnerships 2026/2027
Interested candidates must submit their applications online through the official Transnet careers portal.
Follow these steps:
- Visit the official Transnet careers website.
- Search for the relevant Work Integrated Technical Learner vacancy.
- Enter the appropriate reference number.
- Read the complete job advertisement carefully.
- Prepare the required qualifications and supporting documents.
- Complete the online application accurately.
- Submit your application before the advertised closing date.
Official Transnet Careers Portal: https://www.transnet.net/
Use the careers or vacancies section to locate the relevant advertisements. Search using these reference numbers:
- req6002: Carpentry
- req5971: Instrumentation
- req5970: Plumbing – Transnet Engineering
- req5986: Plumbing – TRIM
- req5984: Diesel Mechanic
Transnet Learnership Closing Dates
Applicants should take note of the following deadlines:
- 13 October 2026: Instrumentation and both Plumbing opportunities.
- 14 October 2026: Carpentry.
- 15 October 2026: Diesel Mechanic.
Since these deadlines are approaching, candidates should apply as early as possible. Always verify the closing date and application instructions on the official vacancy page before submitting your application.
Conclusion
The Transnet Work Integrated Technical Learnerships 2026/2027 offer recently qualified artisans an opportunity to gain practical experience over 24 months. Available trades include Carpentry, Instrumentation, Plumbing, and Diesel Mechanic.
If you hold the relevant Trade Test or Red Seal Certificate and meet the advertised requirements, review the available opportunities today. Most importantly, use the correct reference number and submit your application before the applicable deadline.
Disclaimer: This article provides independent information about advertised opportunities. Applicants should verify all requirements, closing dates, and application procedures directly with Transnet. Publication of this information does not guarantee selection or employment.
Hope Johnson
Hope Johnson is the Founder and Lead Content Editor of SETAWeb, a South Africa–based digital platform focused on education, SETA programmes, learnerships, bursaries, internships, and career opportunities. She has extensive experience researching, verifying, and publishing accurate information sourced from official SETAs, government departments, universities, and public sector institutions. Contact: info@setaweb.co.za