Transnet Port Terminals is inviting suitably qualified South African youth to apply for its Work Integrated Technical Learner: Diesel Mechanic Programme 2026/2027 in Richards Bay and Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.

The 24-month programme is aimed at recently qualified Diesel Mechanic artisans who have completed their Diesel Mechanic Trade Test and obtained a Red Seal qualification.

The programme provides practical workplace experience, mentorship and exposure to industry-specific technical tasks. It is designed to help newly qualified artisans strengthen their workplace skills and improve their employability.

Applications close on 6 November 2026.

Transnet Diesel Mechanic Learnership 2026/2027 – Quick Overview

About the Transnet Diesel Mechanic Programme

The Transnet Artisan in Training Programme is designed for recently qualified artisans who have completed their trade training and obtained the required Diesel Mechanic Trade Test and Red Seal qualification.

The programme provides an opportunity to move from trade qualification into practical workplace experience.

Over the 24-month period, successful participants will be exposed to a working environment where they can apply their technical and vocational knowledge.

The programme also includes practical training and mentorship to help learners develop the skills required in an industry environment.

Who Can Apply for the Transnet Diesel Mechanic Programme?

Applicants must meet the minimum requirements before applying.

Candidates must:

• Have a Diesel Mechanic Trade Test Certificate.
• Have completed the trade assessment within the past four years.
• Be between 18 and 35 years old.
• Have less than one year of work experience.
• Be a South African citizen.

This opportunity is therefore aimed specifically at recently qualified Diesel Mechanic artisans rather than applicants who are still completing their trade training.

Diesel Mechanic Trade Test Is Required

One of the most important requirements is the Diesel Mechanic Trade Test Certificate.

Applicants should already have completed the relevant trade assessment and obtained their qualification before applying.

The source vacancy states that the trade assessment must have been completed within the previous four years.

Less Than One Year of Work Experience

The programme is designed for newly qualified artisans.

Applicants must have less than one year of work experience.

This makes the opportunity particularly relevant to artisans who have recently completed their trade test and need additional workplace exposure.

What Is the Purpose of the Programme?

The Work Integrated Technical Learner programme is intended to help recently qualified artisans transition into a practical working environment.

The programme aims to:

• Provide recently qualified artisans with practical workplace experience.
• Help participants apply technical and vocational knowledge.
• Improve employability.
• Provide hands-on training.
• Offer mentorship.
• Provide exposure to industry-specific tasks.
• Build practical technical skills over 24 months.

The workplace exposure can help participants develop confidence in applying their trade knowledge in a professional environment.

Competencies and Skills Development

Participants are expected to develop their technical competencies progressively throughout the programme.

The vacancy describes three broad competency levels.

Beginner Level

At beginner level, participants should develop:

• Basic understanding of tools.
• Basic understanding of safety procedures.

This stage focuses on establishing a strong foundation in workplace practices and technical safety.

Intermediate Level

At intermediate level, participants should develop the ability to:

• Perform tasks independently.
• Work with minimal supervision.

This stage involves greater responsibility and increased confidence in carrying out technical duties.

Advanced Level

At advanced level, participants should demonstrate:

• Strong technical competence.
• Ability to supervise others.
• Ability to assist with training other employees.

The competency progression is intended to help participants build practical workplace capability throughout the programme.

Where Is the Transnet Diesel Mechanic Programme Based?

The programme is available in two locations in KwaZulu-Natal:

Richards Bay

Successful candidates may be placed at the Transnet Port Terminals operations in Richards Bay.

Durban

Opportunities are also available in Durban.

Applicants should consider the location requirements before applying and ensure that they are able to participate in the programme at the allocated workplace.

Employment Equity

Transnet may give preference to suitably qualified applicants from designated groups in line with its Employment Equity Plan and targets.

Applicants must still meet the minimum requirements for the Diesel Mechanic programme.

Employment equity considerations do not replace the required trade qualification, age, citizenship and work-experience requirements.

How to Apply for the Transnet Diesel Mechanic Learnership 2026/2027

Applications must be submitted through the official Transnet recruitment platform.

Applicants should search for the position using the details below:

Position: Work Integrated Technical Learner: Diesel Mechanic

Reference Number: req6108

Locations: Richards Bay and Durban

Application Steps

1. Open the Transnet recruitment platform.
2. Search for Work Integrated Technical Learner: Diesel Mechanic.
3. Check the vacancy reference number.
4. Confirm that you meet the Diesel Mechanic Trade Test requirement.
5. Check that your trade assessment was completed within the required four-year period.
6. Confirm that you have less than one year of work experience.
7. Complete your personal and qualification information.
8. Upload any documents requested by Transnet.
9. Review your application carefully.
10. Submit the application before the closing date.

Important Reference Number Note

The supplied vacancy identifies the position reference as req6108, while the application URL provided with the source contains a different requisition number in the web address.

Applicants should therefore search for the vacancy by its position title and confirm the reference displayed on the live Transnet recruitment portal before submitting.

Application platform: Transnet Talent Portal

Documents to Prepare

Applicants should have their relevant information and documents ready before starting the application.

Useful documents may include:

• Updated CV.
• Diesel Mechanic Trade Test Certificate.
• Red Seal qualification documentation.
• South African ID.
• Relevant trade assessment information.
• Details of previous work experience.

Only upload documents requested by the official Transnet recruitment system.

Make sure that the information on your application matches your official documents.

Transnet Diesel Mechanic Programme Closing Date

Applications close on:

6 November 2026

Applicants are responsible for ensuring that their applications are submitted and received before the deadline.

Do not wait until the final day to apply. Submit your application early and check that the online application has been successfully completed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualification do I need for the Transnet Diesel Mechanic programme?

You need a Diesel Mechanic Trade Test Certificate and the required Red Seal qualification.

Who is the programme aimed at?

The programme is aimed at recently qualified Diesel Mechanic artisans who need practical workplace experience.

How much work experience can I have?

Applicants must have less than one year of work experience.

How old must I be?

Applicants must be between 18 and 35 years old.

Can non-South Africans apply?

The vacancy states that applicants must be South African.

How long is the programme?

The programme runs for 24 months.

Where is the programme based?

The available positions are in Richards Bay and Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.

When must I have completed my trade assessment?

The trade assessment must have been completed within the past four years.

Is this programme for people who have not completed their Diesel Mechanic trade test?

No. The stated requirement is a Diesel Mechanic Trade Test Certificate, making this opportunity suitable for already qualified artisans.

What is the closing date?

Applications close on 6 November 2026.

What is the reference number?

The supplied vacancy identifies the reference number as req6108. Applicants should confirm the reference displayed on the live Transnet recruitment portal before submitting.

Application Checklist

Before submitting your Transnet application, make sure you:

• Are a South African citizen.
• Are between 18 and 35 years old.
• Have a Diesel Mechanic Trade Test Certificate.
• Have the required Red Seal qualification.
• Completed your trade assessment within the past four years.
• Have less than one year of work experience.
• Have your ID available.
• Have an updated CV.
• Can work in Richards Bay or Durban if selected.
• Have checked the vacancy reference.
• Have completed the online application.
• Submit before 6 November 2026.

Conclusion

The Transnet Diesel Mechanic Work Integrated Technical Learnership 2026/2027 provides recently qualified Diesel Mechanic artisans with an opportunity to gain valuable practical workplace experience within Transnet Port Terminals.

The 24-month programme is available in Richards Bay and Durban and is specifically aimed at South African applicants who already have a Diesel Mechanic Trade Test Certificate and Red Seal qualification.

Applicants must be between 18 and 35 years old, have less than one year of work experience and must have completed their trade assessment within the past four years.

If you meet the requirements, prepare your trade and identification documents, verify the vacancy details on the Transnet recruitment platform and submit your application before the 6 November 2026 closing date.