Transnet is inviting suitably qualified South African citizens to apply for its Artisan Apprenticeship opportunities for 2026/2027. Applications are available in Boilermaking, Electrical, Welding, Fitting and Turning, Millwright and Mechanical Fitting. Candidates aged 18 to 30 with relevant N2–N6, NCV Level 4 or Technical Grade 12 qualifications may apply before 20 October 2026.
These apprenticeship opportunities provide a pathway for aspiring artisans to develop practical technical knowledge and workplace competencies in engineering-related environments. Candidates seeking to develop valuable technical skills can explore the available trades and select the apprenticeship that matches their qualifications.
Key Details
| Detail | Information |
| Organisation | Transnet |
| Programme | Artisan Apprenticeships |
| Year | 2026/2027 |
| Opportunity Type | Apprenticeship |
| Operating Division | Transnet Corporate Centre |
| Locations | Various locations across South Africa |
| Qualifications | N2–N6, NCV Level 4 or Technical Grade 12 |
| Age Requirement | 18–30 years |
| Citizenship | South African |
| Closing Date | 20 October 2026 |
| Application Method | Online |
Available Apprenticeship Opportunities
Transnet is recruiting apprentices in six technical trades.
| Trade | Reference Number | Location |
| Boilermaker | req5979 | Koedoespoort |
| Electrician | req5978 | Refer to official vacancy |
| Welder | req5980 | Bloemfontein, Koedoespoort, Salt River, Durban |
| Fitter & Turner | req5977 | Koedoespoort |
| Millwright | req5976 | Bloemfontein, Germiston, Koedoespoort, Salt River |
| Mechanical Fitter | req5975 | Refer to official vacancy |
Applicants must use the correct reference number for their chosen trade. Locations and placement arrangements should be confirmed against the individual vacancy.
Who Should Apply?
The apprenticeships are suitable for young South African citizens who have completed relevant technical qualifications and want to pursue careers as qualified artisans.
The opportunities are particularly relevant to TVET College graduates, NCV Level 4 graduates and Technical Grade 12 graduates who meet the required Mathematics and trade-related subject requirements.
Candidates must be between 18 and 30 years old and must not already possess a Red Seal trade certificate.
About Transnet
Transnet is South Africa’s state-owned freight transport and logistics company. Its operations include freight rail, ports, pipelines and engineering-related services.
Through its technical training opportunities, Transnet supports the development of practical skills required in industrial, engineering and maintenance environments.
The apprenticeships are intended to prepare trainees to work independently and productively as competent qualified artisans.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must have completed one of the following qualification pathways.
1. N2–N6 Certificate
A completed N2–N6 certificate containing:
- Relevant Trade Theory
- Engineering Science
- Mathematics
- Other relevant technical subjects
2. NCV Level 4 Certificate
A completed NCV Level 4 qualification containing:
- Relevant Trade Theory
- Mathematics
- Relevant vocational subjects
3. Technical Grade 12
A Technical Grade 12 qualification containing:
- Mathematics
- Physical Science
- Relevant Trade Theory
Additional Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be South African citizens.
- Be between 18 and 30 years old.
- Have achieved at least 50% in Mathematics.
- Not already possess a Red Seal trade certificate.
- Hold qualifications relevant to their chosen apprenticeship trade.
- Meet any additional conditions stated in the individual vacancy.
Duties and Responsibilities
Depending on the selected trade and training environment, apprentices may be involved in the following activities:
- Preparing work areas, equipment and materials for technical tasks.
- Using appropriate hand tools, power tools and measuring equipment.
- Participating in the manufacturing and assembly of components.
- Assisting with installations and technical maintenance activities.
- Inspecting equipment and identifying technical defects.
- Testing and repairing equipment and assemblies.
- Applying technical knowledge in practical workplace situations.
- Following workplace safety procedures and operational instructions.
- Developing the practical competencies required for their chosen trade.
Specific duties may differ between Boilermaking, Electrical, Welding, Fitting and Turning, Millwright and Mechanical Fitting apprenticeships.
Skills Gained
The apprenticeship training is intended to develop competencies such as:
- Technical problem-solving
- Practical engineering knowledge
- Communication skills
- Analytical thinking
- Teamwork
- Equipment inspection and maintenance
- Safe use of technical tools and equipment
- Trade-specific practical skills
Required Documents
The applicants must attach:
- All relevant qualifications
- Academic records relevant to the selected position
Applicants should also complete all information requested by the Transnet online recruitment system.
Useful Career27 Links
Explore other technical training and workplace development opportunities:
How to Apply
Interested applicants must submit their applications through the official Transnet Talent Portal.
Each apprenticeship has a separate vacancy reference and application page.
1. Boilermaker Apprenticeship
Reference: req5979
Location: Koedoespoort
Apply for Transnet Boilermaker Apprenticeship
2. Electrician Apprenticeship
Reference: req5978
Apply for Transnet Electrician Apprenticeship
3. Welder Apprenticeship
Reference: req5980
Locations: Bloemfontein, Koedoespoort, Salt River and Durban
Apply for Transnet Welder Apprenticeship
4. Fitter & Turner Apprenticeship
Reference: req5977
Location: Koedoespoort
Apply for Transnet Fitter & Turner Apprenticeship
5. Millwright Apprenticeship
Reference: req5976
Locations: Bloemfontein, Germiston, Koedoespoort and Salt River
Apply for Transnet Millwright Apprenticeship
6. Mechanical Fitter Apprenticeship
Reference: req5975
Apply for Transnet Mechanical Fitter Apprenticeship
Applicants should open their preferred vacancy, review its requirements, create or sign in to their Transnet recruitment profile and follow the online application instructions.
Applicants should confirm that their selected requisition remains available before submitting.
Closing Date
20 October 2026
Applicants are responsible for ensuring that Transnet receives their applications before the closing date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can applicants with Matric apply?
Yes, applicants with Technical Grade 12 may qualify if they have Mathematics, Physical Science and relevant Trade Theory, including the required Mathematics pass mark of at least 50%.
Can applicants with N2 qualifications apply?
Yes. An N2 certificate may qualify if it includes the relevant technical subjects and the applicant meets the other requirements.
Can applicants with a Red Seal certificate apply?
No. The apprenticeship advertisements specify that applicants must not already possess a Red Seal trade certificate.
What is the age requirement?
Applicants must be between 18 and 30 years old.
Can applicants apply for different trades?
Each trade has a separate application reference. Applicants should review the eligibility requirements and application conditions for each vacancy.
Sources and References
Official Transnet recruitment advertisements:
- Transnet Talent Portal – Boilermaker
- Transnet Talent Portal – Electrician
- Transnet Talent Portal – Welder
- Transnet Talent Portal – Fitter & Turner
- Transnet Talent Portal – Millwright
- Transnet Talent Portal – Mechanical Fitter
Disclaimer
Career27 is an independent employment information platform and is not affiliated with Transnet. This article is provided for informational purposes to help job seekers access advertised opportunities.
Applications must be submitted directly through the official Transnet recruitment platform. Applicants should verify the requirements, availability and closing date before applying.
Career27 does not charge applicants for access to vacancy information or guarantee selection or employment.
