Transnet Freight Rail invites South African graduates to apply for the 2026 Training and Learning Skills Programme — a two-year paid development opportunity focused on Ergonomics and Human Factors. Learn, earn, and grow your professional career with one of South Africa’s largest state-owned enterprises.

Training and Learning Skills Programme 2026

Transnet Freight Rail (TFR), a division of Transnet SOC Ltd, invites unemployed South African graduates aged 18–35 to apply for its two-year graduate development programme. This initiative is part of Transnet’s broader effort to empower youth and strengthen South Africa’s logistics and transport sectors through skills development.

Key Programme Details:

This programme is a 24-month structured and mentored initiative, where participants receive both institutional knowledge and practical, on-the-job experience across multiple functional areas.

Progress is assessed every six months to ensure continuous growth and alignment with Transnet’s development standards.

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The main goal of the Transnet Training and Learning Skills Programme is to equip young graduates with professional, technical, and interpersonal skills that increase their employability in the competitive job market.

Participants will:

• Gain exposure to Transnet’s operational environment.
• Receive guidance from senior professionals through structured mentorship.
• Apply theoretical knowledge to real-life business challenges.
• Build a foundation for long-term career growth in ergonomics and human performance.

For graduates with no work experience, this is a rare opportunity to develop expertise in Ergonomics and Human Factors — fields that play a crucial role in workplace design, safety, and productivity within the rail industry.

Transnet Freight Rail’s Training and Learning Programme stands out for its focus on graduate empowerment, hands-on learning, and career readiness.

Graduates will develop technical and behavioural competencies through structured assignments, exposure to industry projects, and opportunities to contribute to real organisational objectives.

To be considered for the 2026 Transnet Training and Learning Skills Programme, applicants must meet the following requirements:

Transnet seeks passionate, driven, and capable graduates ready to learn and grow within a professional environment. Successful candidates should demonstrate:

• Strong business understanding and awareness of corporate environments.
• Administrative and computer skills, including proficiency in MS Office.
• Ability to work effectively in teams and adapt to new environments.
• High levels of integrity, professionalism, and accountability.
• A customer-focused mindset and problem-solving orientation.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Capacity for analytical thinking and research.
• Conflict resolution and negotiation abilities.
• Energy, assertiveness, and initiative in handling diverse challenges.

These qualities align with Transnet’s mission to build a workforce that values excellence, integrity, and service delivery.

The programme integrates both theoretical learning and practical exposure. Over 24 months, participants rotate through different departments, applying classroom-acquired concepts to real workplace scenarios.

Institutional Learning

Graduates attend workshops, seminars, and internal courses focused on:

• Ergonomic design principles
• Human performance in transport systems
• Workplace health and safety management
• Business process improvement
• Research and data analysis methods

On-the-Job Training

Participants engage in practical work under the guidance of senior mentors. This includes:

• Conducting ergonomic assessments.
• Supporting organisational projects related to human performance and safety.
• Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams.
• Reporting and presenting analytical findings to senior management.

Mentorship and Evaluation

Every six months, progress assessments are conducted to evaluate learning outcomes and skill development.

Mentors provide personalised guidance, helping each participant identify strengths and growth areas while preparing for future roles in the industry.

Ergonomics and human factors are vital in ensuring safe, efficient, and sustainable railway operations. At Transnet, these disciplines focus on designing systems that optimise human performance, prevent workplace injuries, and improve overall operational reliability.

Graduates specialising in this field will contribute to:

• Enhancing workplace safety and comfort.
• Designing human-centred operational systems.
• Improving worker productivity and well-being.
• Reducing operational risks linked to human error.

In a company that moves millions of tons of freight annually, these roles are not only technical but also strategic — shaping the future of South Africa’s transportation network.

Transnet Freight Rail is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. In line with its Employment Equity Plan, preference will be given to suitably qualified applicants from designated groups, including women and persons with disabilities.

This ensures equal access to opportunities while supporting national transformation goals.

Closing Date: Not yet confirmed — applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible to avoid missing the deadline.

Step-by-Step Guide to Apply

1. Prepare Your Application Documents
   • Certified copy of South African ID.
   • Certified copies of your qualifications (Degree certificate and academic record).
   • Updated CV (maximum two pages).
   • Proof of address.
   • Motivation letter explaining why you’re interested in Ergonomics and Human Factors.
2. Submit Your Application Online
   Visit the official Transnet Talent Portal to apply:
   Apply Here Enter the reference number req3506 in the search bar if needed.
3. Track and Follow Up
   After submitting your application, monitor your email for confirmation or updates. Keep copies of all submitted documents.