Transnet Port Terminals has opened applications for a 24-month Diesel Mechanic training programme in Durban and Richards Bay, giving recently qualified artisans an opportunity to gain practical workplace experience. Applicants must already hold a Diesel Mechanic Trade Test Certificate, be between 18 and 35 years old, have less than one year of work experience and be South African. Applications close on 6 November 2026.
The opportunity is advertised as Work Integrated Technical Learner: Diesel Mechanic (Richards Bay & Durban) under Transnet Port Terminals.
It carries reference number req6108 and forms part of Transnet’s Artisan In Training Programme.
The programme is aimed at recently qualified apprentices who already have their trade qualification but need further practical exposure in a real workplace environment.
Transnet Diesel Mechanic Training Programme 2026
The programme is being offered through Transnet Port Terminals under its youth development function.
Successful participants will receive practical workplace exposure, mentorship and the opportunity to apply the technical knowledge they gained during their apprenticeship and trade training.
The main details are:
Employer: Transnet Port Terminals
Position: Work Integrated Technical Learner: Diesel Mechanic
Reference: req6108
Locations: Richards Bay and Durban
Employee Group: Trainee
Department: TAFOLDRS & Functional Youth Development
Reporting to: Specialist: Youth Development
Grade: WITL
Programme duration: 24 months
Closing date: 6 November 2026
Who Can Apply?
This opportunity is aimed at recently qualified Diesel Mechanics rather than people who are still studying towards their trade qualification.
Applicants must have a Diesel Mechanic Trade Test Certificate.
The advert also states that the trade must have been assessed within the past four years.
This makes the programme particularly relevant to young artisans who have recently completed their apprenticeship and are now looking for practical workplace experience.
A Diesel Mechanic Trade Test Certificate Is Required
The most important qualification requirement is the Diesel Mechanic Trade Test Certificate.
Candidates should already have completed the relevant trade assessment before applying.
This means the programme should not be confused with a Diesel Mechanic apprenticeship.
An apprenticeship is generally part of the process of becoming a qualified artisan, while this Transnet programme is intended for people who have already reached that stage.
Your Trade Assessment Must Be Within Four Years
Transnet requires applicants to have been trade assessed within the past four years.
Candidates should therefore check the date of their trade assessment before applying.
If the assessment falls outside the specified period, the applicant may not meet the stated eligibility requirement.
Applicants should ensure that their qualification and trade-assessment information is accurate.
Less Than One Year of Work Experience
The programme is specifically aimed at candidates with less than one year of work experience.
This makes it different from many technical vacancies that require several years of experience.
Transnet is looking for recently qualified artisans who have not yet built extensive employment histories.
Candidates should accurately disclose their previous work experience when completing their applications.
Applicants Must Be Between 18 and 35
Candidates must be between 18 and 35 years old.
The age requirement forms part of Transnet’s youth-development focus for the Artisan In Training Programme.
Applicants should check that they fall within the specified age range before submitting their applications.
South African Applicants
The vacancy states that applicants must be South African.
Candidates should provide correct personal and identification information as part of the recruitment process.
Being South African and meeting the age requirement does not automatically qualify an applicant, however.
Candidates must still meet the Diesel Mechanic qualification, trade-assessment and work-experience requirements.
The Programme Runs for 24 Months
One of the strongest features of this opportunity is its 24-month duration.
During the programme, participants will have an opportunity to apply their existing technical knowledge in a real workplace environment.
Transnet says the Artisan In Training Programme is designed to provide:
- Practical work experience
- Hands-on training
- Mentorship
- Exposure to industry-specific tasks
The aim is to strengthen the employability of recently qualified artisans.
Practical Workplace Experience
A trade qualification provides an important technical foundation, but newly qualified artisans may still need substantial workplace exposure.
This programme is designed to help bridge that gap.
Participants can apply the academic, vocational and practical knowledge they already possess while gaining experience within Transnet Port Terminals.
The programme therefore focuses on development after qualification rather than initial trade training.
What Skills Can Participants Develop?
Transnet lists different competency levels associated with the programme.
At the beginner level, participants should have a basic understanding of tools and safety procedures.
At the intermediate level, the expectation is that an individual can perform tasks independently with minimal supervision.
At an advanced level, the competency description refers to expert-level skills and the ability to supervise and train others.
These descriptions demonstrate the importance of continued technical development during the programme.
Safety and Technical Skills
Safety is an important part of working in a technical environment.
Participants are expected to understand basic tools and safety procedures and progressively develop their ability to carry out technical tasks.
The exact duties performed by each participant will depend on their placement and the operational requirements of Transnet Port Terminals.
Candidates should therefore not assume that every participant will perform exactly the same daily tasks.
Durban and Richards Bay Locations
The opportunity is advertised for Durban and Richards Bay.
Both locations are in KwaZulu-Natal and are associated with Transnet’s port-terminal operations.
Applicants should consider their ability to participate at one of these locations before applying.
The recruitment process will determine the relevant placement arrangements for successful candidates.
Is This a Learnership?
The position is described as a Work Integrated Technical Learner and forms part of Transnet’s Artisan In Training Programme.
However, applicants should not assume that this is a conventional learnership open to people with only Matric.
The programme specifically requires a Diesel Mechanic Trade Test Certificate.
It is therefore better understood as a practical development opportunity for recently qualified artisans.
Is This an Apprenticeship?
No.
The programme is aimed at recently qualified apprentices who already have a Red Seal/trade qualification.
Applicants who are still looking for an apprenticeship to become qualified Diesel Mechanics would need to look for a different Transnet or employer opportunity.
This distinction is important because the programme is designed to build workplace experience after trade qualification.
Does the Programme Require Extensive Experience?
No.
In fact, Transnet specifies less than one year of work experience.
This makes the opportunity particularly relevant to newly qualified Diesel Mechanics who have struggled to find their first substantial technical role.
It should not, however, be described as requiring absolutely zero experience unless the applicant’s circumstances meet the employer’s definition.
Employment Equity
Transnet states that preference will be given to suitably qualified applicants who are members of designated groups.
This will be done in line with the organisation’s Employment Equity Plan and targets.
Candidates must still meet the required qualification and eligibility criteria.
Is a Salary or Stipend Stated?
The information provided for the vacancy does not state a specific salary or stipend amount.
Applicants should therefore avoid relying on figures published by unofficial social-media posts.
If remuneration or other financial conditions apply, candidates should confirm those details through Transnet’s official recruitment information or during the recruitment process.
Who Should Consider Applying?
This programme could be suitable for a person who:
- Has a Diesel Mechanic Trade Test Certificate.
- Was trade assessed within the last four years.
- Is between 18 and 35 years old.
- Has less than one year of work experience.
- Is South African.
- Wants to gain practical workplace experience after qualifying as an artisan.
- Can participate in a 24-month programme in Durban or Richards Bay.
Candidates who do not have the required trade certificate should not apply for this particular opportunity.
Closing Date for Transnet Applications
The closing date is 6 November 2026.
Transnet states that it is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that Human Resources has received the application before the closing date.
Candidates should therefore avoid waiting until the final hours to submit their applications.
Applicants should also check their documents and qualification information before submitting.
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How to Apply
Applicants should use Transnet’s official recruitment platform to apply for the opportunity.
The vacancy can be identified using the following information:
Job title: Work Integrated Technical Learner: Diesel Mechanic (Richards Bay & Durban)
Reference number: req6108
Candidates should read the complete official advertisement and follow the application instructions provided by Transnet.
They should also make sure that their application clearly reflects their Diesel Mechanic qualification and trade-assessment details.
Check Your Documents Before Applying
Before submitting an application, candidates should ensure that they have the relevant information relating to their:
- Diesel Mechanic Trade Test Certificate
- Trade assessment
- Personal identification
- Work experience
- Contact details
- Educational and technical qualifications
All information should be accurate.
Applicants should never pay someone who claims they can guarantee a position with Transnet.
Why This Transnet Opportunity Stands Out
The opportunity combines several factors that may appeal to recently qualified artisans.
It offers a 24-month development period, is specifically aimed at people with less than one year of work experience, and provides exposure to a major transport and logistics organisation.
The opportunity is also available in Durban and Richards Bay, giving qualifying Diesel Mechanics in KwaZulu-Natal an opportunity to pursue practical workplace experience.
However, the programme is highly specific. Applicants must already be qualified Diesel Mechanics, so it is not suitable for general job seekers with only a Matric certificate.
Final Word
The Transnet Diesel Mechanic Training Programme 2026 offers recently qualified Diesel Mechanics an opportunity to gain 24 months of practical workplace experience through Transnet Port Terminals.
The programme is available in Durban and Richards Bay and is aimed at South African applicants aged 18 to 35 who have less than one year of work experience.
Applicants must already hold a Diesel Mechanic Trade Test Certificate, and their trade assessment must have taken place within the past four years.
Transnet says the Artisan In Training Programme provides hands-on training, mentorship and exposure to industry-specific tasks to help recently qualified artisans strengthen their employability.
Applications close on 6 November 2026.
Candidates who meet the requirements should apply through Transnet’s official recruitment process before the deadline.
Disclaimer: Dailyspark is an independent jobs and information website and is not Transnet or Transnet Port Terminals. Dailyspark does not process applications, select candidates or guarantee employment. Applicants should verify all requirements, locations, programme conditions, closing dates and application instructions directly with Transnet before applying.