Transnet Artisan Apprenticeships: Six Trade Routes Close on 27 October

Transnet Artisan Apprenticeships are open across six trades, with the current re-advertised opportunities closing on 27 October 2026. The programme offers a route into practical artisan training for eligible South Africans aged 18 to 30 who meet the technical subject requirements and do not already hold a Red Seal trade certificate.

The six official notices cover welding, boilermaking, fitting and turning, millwright work, mechanical fitting and electrical training. They list different centres, so applicants need to match both their academic subjects and their preferred location to the specific vacancy. Each trade has its own reference and application link.

Transnet Artisan Apprenticeships: six current opportunities

• Welder: Bloemfontein, Durban, Koedoespoort and Salt River. Reference req6051.
• Boilermaker: Koedoespoort and Durban. Reference req6050.
• Fitter & Turner: Koedoespoort and Durban. Reference req6049.
• Millwright: Bloemfontein, Germiston, Koedoespoort, Salt River and Durban. Reference req6048.
• Mechanical Fitter: Germiston, Salt River and Durban. Reference req6047.
• Electrician: Koedoespoort, Salt River, North End, Cambridge and Durban. Reference req6046.

All six notices were checked on Transnet’s recruitment portal on 20 October 2026 and state a 27 October deadline. The titles identify them as re-advertisements. Earlier summaries online may still display 20 October; use the date and reference on the current employer page for the vacancy you select.

Transnet Artisan Apprenticeships: who meets the education requirements?

Transnet offers three academic entry routes. Applicants must have completed one of the following, with subjects relevant to the chosen trade:

• An N2, N3, N4, N5 or N6 certificate including relevant Trade Theory, Engineering Science, Mathematics and another relevant subject.
• An NCV Level 4 certificate including the relevant trade theory, Mathematics and vocational subjects.
• Technical Grade 12 including Mathematics, Physical Science and relevant trade theory.

The notices also require a Mathematics mark of at least 50%. A qualification at the right level is therefore only part of the check: your subject combination and result must also match. Do not assume ordinary Matric without the specified technical subjects meets the Technical Grade 12 route.

Transnet Artisan Apprenticeships: other eligibility conditions

• South African citizenship.
• Age between 18 and 30.
• No existing Red Seal trade certificate.
• Submission of all qualifications and academic records relevant to the position.
• Communication, analytical thinking, problem-solving and teamwork capabilities.

These are apprentice opportunities for people developing trade competence. The exclusion of existing trade-certificate holders is particularly important for readers comparing them with separate programmes aimed at already-qualified artisans. Follow the criteria in these six notices rather than combining requirements from another Transnet scheme.

Transnet Artisan Apprenticeships: training benefits and information to confirm

The employer describes the apprenticeship purpose as developing the skills needed to operate productively as a competent artisan. The notices refer to preparing work areas, tools and materials, using hand, power and measuring tools, and developing practical assembly, inspection, maintenance and repair capability.

Some descriptions use repeated references to welding or electrical equipment across different trade headings. Applicants should therefore use the advertised trade title as the identity of the vacancy and ask Transnet for the detailed trade-specific training plan. The repeated wording is not enough to establish that every apprentice will follow the same curriculum.

No stipend amount, training duration, starting date or guaranteed permanent placement is stated in the six current notices reviewed. These are useful questions for the recruitment stage. There is no reliable basis to attach a salary figure or a two- or three-year duration to these particular re-advertisements.

How to prepare the application

Start with your academic record. Check that the relevant trade subjects and Mathematics result are clearly visible. If you have several certificates, arrange them so a recruiter can understand which completed qualification satisfies the advertised route. Use consistent names and dates across your CV and supporting documents.

A short, accurate CV can explain why the selected trade interests you and identify any genuine workshop exposure, practical projects or safety training. Be precise about what you have done under supervision. Applicants should not describe themselves as qualified artisans if they have not completed that qualification.

1. Open the official link for the trade and centre that interests you.
2. Confirm the title, req number, academic requirements and 27 October closing date.
3. Follow the portal’s application instructions and provide the requested information.
4. Attach the relevant qualifications and academic records. Check each uploaded file for legibility.
5. Review and submit the application before the deadline. Keep the confirmation and reference for that specific vacancy.

Transnet makes applicants responsible for ensuring that HR receives their application before the advert closes. An incomplete profile or saved form should not be treated as a completed submission. Allow time to check the final confirmation rather than waiting until the last moment.

Transnet Artisan Apprenticeships: frequently asked questions

Can a qualified Red Seal artisan apply?

The current apprentice notices specifically exclude applicants who already hold a trade certificate. Check other Transnet vacancies for opportunities matching an existing qualification.

Are there six places?

There are six trade advertisements. The notices reviewed do not publish a total number of apprentice places.

Which locations are available?

The advertised centres vary by trade. The list above includes centres in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, the Western Cape, the Free State and the Eastern Cape. Confirm the exact placement before making travel arrangements.

What happens to applications submitted previously?

The notices are marked as re-advertisements but do not explain how previous applications will be handled. Check the live portal or ask Transnet rather than assuming an earlier submission has carried over.

Explore more learnerships and apprenticeships on ReignGigs. ReignGigs shares opportunity information; applications and selection are handled by the organisation advertising the programme.