Transnet Technical Learnership 2026: A 24-Month Opportunity for Qualified Diesel Mechanics

Transnet Port Terminals invites suitably qualified South African applicants to apply for its Work Integrated Technical Learner: Diesel Mechanic Programme 2026 in Richards Bay and Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. This technical training opportunity offers a 24-month contract for young, recently qualified Diesel Mechanics who want to gain practical workplace experience in the port and heavy machinery industry. The closing date for applications is 06 November 2026.

Are you a young Diesel Mechanic who recently completed a Trade Test but has not yet gained enough work experience? This opportunity could help you take the next step in your career. Transnet is looking for qualified young artisans who are ready to improve their technical skills while working in a real industrial environment.

The programme is designed to help newly qualified artisans gain the practical experience they need to grow in their chosen trade. Successful applicants will get an opportunity to work with experienced technical employees and learn more about maintaining and repairing heavy equipment used in port operations.

If you meet the requirements, here is everything you need to know about the opportunity and how to apply.

About the Transnet Work Integrated Technical Learner Programme

The Transnet Work Integrated Technical Learner (WITL) Programme is aimed at South African youth who have completed their technical training and passed their relevant Trade Test.

Although completing a Trade Test is an important achievement, finding a job without enough workplace experience can be difficult. This programme gives recently qualified artisans an opportunity to put their technical knowledge into practice.

The training will take place at Transnet Port Terminals, where learners will get exposure to the equipment and machinery used in daily port operations.

As a Diesel Mechanic learner, you will work in an environment where heavy machinery and transport equipment need regular maintenance to keep operations running smoothly.

Some of the technical activities learners may gain exposure to include:

• Carrying out mechanical inspections on diesel-powered equipment.
• Helping identify mechanical problems and equipment faults.
• Learning how to perform preventative maintenance.
• Assisting with mechanical repairs and maintenance work.
• Understanding how heavy diesel machinery operates.
• Working with experienced technical specialists.
• Following workplace health and safety procedures.
• Developing practical skills needed in the diesel mechanic trade.

The programme runs for 24 months, giving successful candidates time to develop their technical abilities and become more familiar with working in a professional industrial environment.

Transnet Technical Learnership 2026: Job Details

Before applying, take a look at the important information about this opportunity.

Job Information	Details
Company	Transnet
Operating Division	Transnet Port Terminals (TPT)
Position	Work Integrated Technical Learner: Diesel Mechanic
Programme	Work Integrated Technical Learner (WITL)
Reference Number	req6108
Department	TAFOLDRS & FUNC YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
Employee Group	Trainee
Job Grade	WITL
Reporting To	Specialist: Youth Development
Locations	Richards Bay and Durban
Province	KwaZulu-Natal
Contract Duration	24 Months
Closing Date	06 November 2026

Applicants should pay attention to the reference number when searching for the vacancy on the Transnet recruitment website. Using the correct reference number will make it easier to find the advertised position.

How Much Does the Transnet Diesel Mechanic Programme Pay?

One of the questions applicants may have is how much they will earn during the 24-month programme.

The supplied vacancy information does not confirm an official monthly stipend or salary amount. An estimated figure of R8,000 to R12,000 per month has been mentioned for this type of technical training opportunity, but this amount has not been confirmed by Transnet for reference number req6108.

Applicants should therefore not treat this estimate as a guaranteed salary.

If you are shortlisted or invited to participate in the programme, check the official employment information provided by Transnet to confirm the payment arrangements.

Minimum Requirements for the Transnet Technical Learner Programme

Not everyone will qualify for this opportunity. Transnet has set specific requirements that applicants must meet before submitting their applications.

To be considered, you must meet the following criteria:

1. Diesel Mechanic Trade Test Certificate

Applicants must have a valid Diesel Mechanic Trade Test Certificate (Red Seal). This is an important requirement because the programme is intended for people who have already completed their trade training.

2. Recently Completed Trade Test

Your trade assessment must have been completed within the past four years. This means the opportunity is aimed at recently qualified artisans.

3. Age Requirement

Applicants must be South African youth between the ages of 18 and 35 years.

4. Work Experience

You must have less than one year of formal workplace experience. This makes the programme suitable for newly qualified Diesel Mechanics who are still looking for an opportunity to gain industrial experience.

5. South African Citizenship

Only South African citizens who meet the other requirements should apply.

6. Employment Equity

Preference will be given to applicants from designated groups in line with Transnet’s Employment Equity Plan and its employment targets.

Make sure you meet the requirements before applying. Having the correct qualification and trade certificate is especially important for this position.

Documents Needed When Applying

Before visiting the Transnet online recruitment portal, prepare your application documents.

Having everything ready can save you time and help you avoid mistakes during the application process.

Applicants should prepare the following documents:

1. Updated CV: Prepare a detailed Curriculum Vitae that includes your personal details, educational background, technical training and any relevant experience.
2. South African ID: Provide a clear copy of your South African Identity Document. This can be your Smart ID Card or Green Book.
3. Diesel Mechanic Trade Test Certificate: You must provide your Red Seal Trade Test Certificate as proof that you have successfully completed your trade assessment.
4. Proof of Trade Assessment Date: Prepare documentation showing when you completed your trade assessment. Remember that it must fall within the required four-year period.
5. Educational Certificates: Include your Senior Certificate and any relevant NATED Engineering Certificates, such as N2, N3, N4, N5 or N6, where applicable.

The supplied application information also requires certified document copies. Make sure your documents are clear and certified within the last six months where certification is required.

Do not wait until the closing date to prepare your documents. Getting everything ready early will make the application process easier.

How to Apply for Transnet Technical Learnership 2026

Applications for the Work Integrated Technical Learner: Diesel Mechanic position must be submitted online through the official Transnet recruitment platform.

Follow these steps to apply:

Step 1: Visit the Official Transnet Website

Go to the official Transnet website:

https://www.transnet.net

Look for the Careers section to access the available job opportunities.

Step 2: Search for the Advertised Position

Navigate to the Careers or Search Jobs section of the recruitment portal.

Enter the vacancy reference number req6108 in the search field.

This should help you locate the Work Integrated Technical Learner: Diesel Mechanic vacancy.

Step 3: Select the Correct Vacancy

Look for the position titled:

Work Integrated Technical Learner: Diesel Mechanic (Richards Bay & Durban).

Read the job advertisement carefully to make sure you are applying for the correct opportunity.

Step 4: Register or Log In

If you are using the Transnet recruitment portal for the first time, create an applicant account.

You will need a valid email address and phone number to register.

Applicants who already have an account can log in using their existing details.

Step 5: Complete Your Application

Fill in the required information on the online application form.

This may include your personal information, educational qualifications, trade details and other employment-related information.

Make sure all the information is correct before moving to the next step.

Step 6: Upload Your Documents

Attach your updated CV, South African ID, Red Seal Trade Test Certificate and other required supporting documents.

Check that all uploaded files are readable and that you have included the necessary documents.

Step 7: Review and Submit Your Application

Before submitting, go through the application form again.

Check your contact details, qualifications and uploaded documents.

Once you are satisfied that everything is correct, submit your application.

Make sure you receive an application confirmation message or email. Keep the confirmation details for your records.

When Is the Closing Date?

The closing date for the Transnet Work Integrated Technical Learner: Diesel Mechanic Programme 2026 is:

06 November 2026.

Interested applicants should submit their applications before the deadline.

Do not wait until the last day to apply. Technical problems, slow internet connections or missing documents could make it difficult to complete your application on time.

Late applications may not be considered.

Why Should You Consider This Opportunity?

Getting your first job after completing a technical qualification is not always easy. Many employers want applicants who already have workplace experience, even when they have the correct qualifications.

The Transnet Work Integrated Technical Learner Programme offers an opportunity to address this challenge.

During the 24-month programme, successful applicants will be exposed to the daily responsibilities of Diesel Mechanics working with heavy equipment in a port environment.

This type of workplace exposure can help you understand how technical knowledge is used outside the classroom or training centre.

You will also have an opportunity to learn from experienced employees, improve your practical skills and become more familiar with industrial working conditions.

For young people who want to build a career in mechanical and engineering-related fields, gaining this type of experience can be an important step.

However, remember that completing the programme does not automatically guarantee permanent employment at Transnet.

Important Things to Remember Before Applying

Here are a few things applicants should keep in mind:

• The opportunity is for qualified Diesel Mechanics who have passed their Red Seal Trade Test.
• Your trade assessment must have been completed within the past four years.
• Applicants must be between 18 and 35 years old.
• You must be a South African citizen.
• Applicants must have less than one year of formal workplace experience.
• The programme runs for 24 months.
• Training opportunities are available in Richards Bay and Durban.
• The reference number is req6108.
• The closing date is 06 November 2026.
• The advertised information does not confirm an official monthly stipend.

If you meet the requirements, visit the official Transnet recruitment website and search for reference number req6108 to complete your application.

Prepare your documents, check your details and submit your application before the closing date. This could be an opportunity to gain the technical workplace experience you need to take your Diesel Mechanic career forward.