Are you a recently qualified Diesel Mechanic looking for an opportunity to gain practical workplace experience and develop your technical skills? Transnet Port Terminals is inviting suitably qualified young South Africans to apply for its Work Integrated Technical Learner: Diesel Mechanic Programme 2026.
This opportunity is aimed at young, qualified Diesel Mechanic artisans who have completed their trade test and obtained a Red Seal certificate but have limited work experience. Successful applicants will have an opportunity to gain valuable hands-on experience in a professional working environment while developing their skills within the engineering and technical operations of Transnet Port Terminals.
The programme is available in Richards Bay and Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, and will run for a period of 24 months.
Applications close on 06 November 2026. Interested candidates who meet the requirements are encouraged to submit their applications before the closing date.
1. Programme Details
Below are the important details of the Transnet Work Integrated Technical Learner opportunity:
- Company: Transnet
- Operating Division: Transnet Port Terminals
- Programme: Work Integrated Technical Learner
- Occupational Field: Diesel Mechanic
- Reference Number: req6108
- Job Grade: WITL
- Employee Group: Trainee
- Department: TAFOLDRS & FUNC YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
- Locations: Richards Bay and Durban
- Reporting To: Specialist: Youth Development
- Posted Date: 26 October 2026
- Closing Date: 06 November 2026
- Programme Duration: 24 Months
- Nationality: South African citizens
2. About the Transnet Work Integrated Technical Learner Programme
Transnet is one of South Africa’s important transport and logistics organisations, playing a major role in the country’s freight, railway and port operations.
Through Transnet Port Terminals, the organisation provides opportunities for young technical professionals to gain workplace exposure and develop the practical skills required in the engineering and maintenance industry.
The Work Integrated Technical Learner opportunity is designed for recently qualified apprentices who have successfully completed their trade tests and obtained their Red Seal certificates.
Although candidates may have completed their technical training, entering the workplace and gaining practical industry experience is an important step towards building a successful career.
This 24-month Artisan In Training Programme aims to bridge that gap by providing participants with practical work experience, mentorship and exposure to industry-specific activities.
Successful candidates will have an opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills they gained during their technical training in a real working environment.
3. Purpose of the Programme
The main purpose of the programme is to provide recently qualified Diesel Mechanic artisans with an opportunity to gain practical workplace experience.
The programme recognises that obtaining a trade qualification is an important achievement, but additional practical exposure can help young artisans improve their confidence, technical abilities and employability.
During the 24-month programme, learners will have an opportunity to:
- Gain practical workplace experience.
- Apply their technical and vocational knowledge.
- Develop their Diesel Mechanic skills.
- Receive guidance and mentorship.
- Become familiar with industry-specific tasks.
- Improve their understanding of workplace procedures.
- Develop professional and technical competencies.
- Build experience that can strengthen future employment opportunities.
The programme is particularly suitable for young artisans who have recently qualified but have not yet had sufficient opportunities to gain workplace experience.
4. Minimum Requirements and Qualifications
Applicants must carefully check the requirements before submitting their applications.
To qualify for the Transnet Work Integrated Technical Learner: Diesel Mechanic opportunity, candidates must meet the following criteria:
1. Diesel Mechanic Trade Test Certificate
Applicants must have successfully completed a Diesel Mechanic trade test and obtained a recognised Trade Test Certificate, commonly referred to as a Red Seal.
2. Recent Trade Assessment
Candidates must have completed their trade assessment within the past four years.
This means applicants should ensure that their trade test qualification falls within the period specified in the advertisement.
3. Age Requirements
Applicants must be between 18 and 35 years old.
The opportunity is specifically aimed at young South Africans who are looking to establish themselves in the technical and engineering industry.
4. Work Experience
Applicants must have less than one year of work experience.
This requirement makes the programme particularly relevant to recently qualified Diesel Mechanics who are still looking for opportunities to gain professional experience.
5. South African Citizenship
Applicants must be South African citizens.
Candidates who do not meet the citizenship requirement may not qualify for this opportunity.
5. Skills and Competencies
Transnet expects candidates to demonstrate an understanding of technical work, safety procedures and the ability to develop their skills in a workplace environment.
The advertisement identifies three competency levels:
Beginner Level
At this level, candidates should demonstrate:
- A basic understanding of tools.
- Knowledge of basic safety procedures.
- An understanding of technical working environments.
- Willingness to learn and improve practical skills.
Intermediate Level
Candidates should demonstrate the ability to:
- Perform tasks independently with minimal supervision.
- Apply technical knowledge to practical activities.
- Follow workplace procedures.
- Complete assigned tasks responsibly.
Advanced Level
This level involves:
- Expert-level technical skills.
- The ability to supervise other employees or learners.
- The ability to provide guidance and training to others.
- Strong practical knowledge and problem-solving abilities.
Applicants should understand that these competency descriptions are provided in the vacancy advertisement. They should present their actual qualifications and abilities honestly when applying.
6. Benefits of Joining the Programme
Being selected for a 24-month technical development programme at Transnet Port Terminals could provide valuable career-building opportunities.
Some of the important opportunities associated with the programme include:
Practical Experience
Participants will have an opportunity to gain practical experience in a professional industrial environment.
Technical Skills Development
The programme is intended to help recently qualified Diesel Mechanics strengthen their technical abilities and apply what they learned during their training.
Mentorship and Guidance
Participants will benefit from workplace exposure and mentorship as they develop their careers.
Industry Exposure
Working within Transnet Port Terminals can provide exposure to the technical environment of South Africa’s port and logistics industry.
Improved Employability
The experience gained during the programme may strengthen participants’ CVs and improve their competitiveness when applying for future technical positions.
Please note that the advertisement does not guarantee permanent employment after the 24-month programme.
7. Who Should Apply?
This opportunity is suitable for young South Africans who:
- Have completed a Diesel Mechanic trade test.
- Hold a Red Seal Diesel Mechanic qualification.
- Are between 18 and 35 years old.
- Have less than one year of work experience.
- Completed their trade assessment within the past four years.
- Are interested in gaining practical technical experience.
- Are willing to participate in a 24-month development programme.
If you recently qualified as a Diesel Mechanic and have been struggling to secure workplace experience, this opportunity could be an important step towards building your career.
8. Important Documents to Prepare
Before applying, candidates should prepare the documents needed to demonstrate that they meet the advertised requirements.
It is advisable to have the following documents ready:
- Updated and professional CV.
- Certified copy of South African ID.
- Certified copy of Diesel Mechanic Trade Test Certificate (Red Seal).
- Relevant technical qualifications or training certificates.
The advertisement details the qualification and eligibility requirements but does not provide a complete document checklist. Applicants should consult the official application portal for any additional document requirements.
Ensure that all uploaded documents are clear, readable and correct.
9. How to Apply for the Transnet Diesel Mechanic Programme 2026
Interested applicants must submit their applications through the official Transnet recruitment website.
Follow these steps:
- Visit the official Transnet careers website.
- Search for the position titled Work Integrated Technical Learner: Diesel Mechanic (Richards Bay & Durban).
- Confirm that the reference number is req6108.
- Read the full vacancy advertisement carefully.
- Check that you meet all the minimum requirements.
- Prepare your updated CV and supporting qualifications.
- Complete the online application process.
- Upload all the required documents.
- Review your application before submitting it.
- Submit your application and ensure that it is received before the closing date.
Official Transnet Careers Website:
https://www.transnet.net/Careers
Applicants should use the official recruitment portal and avoid submitting personal documents to unofficial individuals or websites.
10. Closing Date
The closing date for the Transnet Work Integrated Technical Learner: Diesel Mechanic Programme 2026 is:
06 November 2026
Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible. It is the responsibility of every applicant to ensure that Human Resources receives the application before the advertised closing date.
Late applications may not be considered.
11. Employment Equity Statement
Transnet has indicated that preference will be given to suitably qualified applicants who are members of designated groups, in accordance with the organisation’s Employment Equity Plan and targets.
All candidates should ensure that they meet the minimum requirements before submitting their applications.
12. Final Thoughts
The Transnet Work Integrated Technical Learner: Diesel Mechanic Programme 2026 is an opportunity for recently qualified artisans to gain the practical experience needed to strengthen their careers.
For young people who have completed their Diesel Mechanic trade test but have less than one year of work experience, this 24-month programme could provide valuable exposure to a professional technical environment.
With placements available in Richards Bay and Durban, eligible applicants have an opportunity to develop their skills within Transnet Port Terminals.
If you meet the age, qualification, citizenship and experience requirements, do not miss the opportunity to apply.
Apply before 06 November 2026.
Reference Number: req6108
Share this opportunity with qualified Diesel Mechanics who may be looking for workplace experience.