About
Transnet is South Africa’s state-owned freight logistics company, custodian of ports, rail and pipelines. Divisions include Freight Rail, Port Terminals, National Ports Authority, Pipelines, Engineering and Property. Head office: 96 Rissik Street, Braamfontein, Johannesburg.
Why work at Transnet?
Strategic scale: you keep exports moving, learn heavy engineering and logistics few employers can teach, and access public-sector stability with structured training. The Academy plus bursary and graduate-in-training pipelines make it one of the strongest youth-to-engineer routes in the country.
Best entry points
- Apprenticeships and artisan training (electrical, fitting, welding) via Transnet Engineering/Academy
- Bursaries for engineering, built environment and logistics students
- Graduate-in-training and youth development programmes
- Operational roles: train assistant, port operative, security, admin – watch A Career with Transnet
Natural progression
Trainee to artisan/technician to engineer to senior manager; operations assistant to controller to terminal manager; graduate-in-training to specialist to executive pipeline. Safety and rail/port certifications unlock each step.
How to apply
See A Career with Transnet. Apply only via official adverts. Never pay for placement – report whistleblowing to 0800 003 056.
FAQs
How long is the Transnet Young Professional-in-Training programme?
24 months of institutional learning plus on-the-job training, with progress assessed every six months (typical structure – confirm per advert).
What does the Transnet bursary cover?
Typically tuition, accommodation and meals, book allowance and experiential training – renewed yearly on satisfactory results.
Is there a workback obligation?
Yes, typically one year of service for every year of funding – check your bursary agreement.
Where do bursary interviews take place?
Johannesburg, Bloemfontein, Cape Town and Durban according to the youth development pages.
Last verified: 18 September 2026. Sources: transnet.net careers and Youth Development pages (bursary terms, YPT examples June/Sept 2026).
