Durban is the only city where all six Transnet artisan trades are open in the 2026 round. If you have technical subjects behind you and at least 50% in Mathematics, your window is short — everything closes on 27 October 2026. From what we see every year at Student Office, most candidates lose chances like this to late submissions, not low marks. Here is everything you need to apply early and correctly.
What the Transnet apprenticeships 2026 are about
Transnet, through its Academy engineering and pipelines training department, is taking in new apprentices across six trades: Electrician, Mechanical Fitter, Millwright, Fitter and Turner, Boilermaker and Welder.
The listings went live on 16 October 2026. Each trade has its own reference number, running from req6046 to req6051. If you saved details from an earlier round, those old references no longer count. Search with the current numbers only.
Who can apply
You must be a South African citizen aged between 18 and 30. You must also have completed one of these three education routes:
- N2–N6: relevant Trade Theory, Engineering Science, Mathematics and one more relevant subject.
- NCV Level 4: relevant Trade Theory, Mathematics and relevant vocational subjects.
- Technical Grade 12: Mathematics, Physical Science and relevant Trade Theory.
These routes are alternatives. You only need to meet one of them, together with the shared rules.
Mathematics must be 50% or higher. Mathematical Literacy is not listed as a substitute, so check your real mark before you start.
Many applicants assume that ordinary Matric with Mathematics and Physical Science counts as the Technical Grade 12 route. It does not on its own. Look for Trade Theory on your results as well. A certificate without the right subject combination will not make you eligible.
One more condition: you may not already hold a trade certificate or a Red Seal. These spaces are for people starting their artisan journey.
Which trade and centre fits you?
Each trade carries its own reference and its own list of training centres. Durban appears in all six, but the other cities differ, so match the list to where you can actually travel. The links below open the official Transnet pages.
- Electrician (req6046) — Koedoespoort, Salt River, North End, Cambridge, Durban
- Mechanical Fitter (req6047) — Germiston, Salt River, Durban
- Millwright (req6048) — Bloemfontein, Germiston, Koedoespoort, Salt River, Durban
- Fitter and Turner (req6049) — Koedoespoort, Durban
- Boilermaker (req6050) — Koedoespoort, Durban
- Welder (req6051) — Bloemfontein, Durban, Koedoespoort, Salt River
For example, if you are near Germiston, your options are Mechanical Fitter and Millwright. Koedoespoort covers five trades, while Mechanical Fitter is offered at other centres.
Plan your transport around the centre attached to your chosen reference. A place at one site is not a promise of training at another.
What you gain from the programme
An apprenticeship gives you structured workplace training that builds towards artisan status in your trade. That qualification remains one of the most respected routes into engineering work in South Africa.
Being honest with you: the listings do not state a monthly stipend, a fixed training period or accommodation support. Transnet also applies its employment equity preferences during selection, and meeting the entry rules does not guarantee a place. Spaces are limited, so a complete and accurate application matters.
How to apply step by step
All applications go through the Transnet Talent Portal. Work through these steps in order:
- Pick your trade and centre. Match your technical subjects to a reference in the list above.
- Check your results. Confirm your Mathematics mark and your technical subjects on your academic record.
- Prepare your documents. You need qualification certificates, a full academic record, an updated CV and a certified copy of your ID.
- Open the correct Transnet page. Confirm the trade title, the reference and the 27 October closing date before you continue.
- Create a profile or sign in. Check that your email address, cellphone number and education details are correct.
- Attach, review and submit. Make sure every document is readable, then keep any confirmation shown in your account.
The listings do not give an exact closing time on 27 October 2026. Do not leave the upload until the last hour. A slow connection or a missing file has cost many applicants their chance.
Tips to improve your chances
- Prove the subject route, not just the certificate. Attach records that clearly show Trade Theory, Engineering Science or Physical Science, whichever your route requires.
- Prepare one skills example. Transnet looks for problem-solving, communication, analytical ability and teamwork. Think of a short, true story from school or practical work that shows one of these.
- Follow the portal instructions. If a page asks for extra documents, supply them in that exact format.
- Check your profile status. A submission under an old reference from a previous round will not count for this one.
Before you accept a place
If you are selected, ask clear questions before you commit to travel or relocation. Ask about the monthly payment, the training duration, accommodation support, the exact training centre, the starting date, the assessment arrangements and how the programme leads to artisan qualification. The entry notice alone is not a full training agreement.
If you want to compare other routes, browse the apprenticeship opportunities here on SETA Careers and check each programme’s own subjects and closing date before you apply.
Final word on Transnet apprenticeships 2026
You now have the full picture: six trades, references req6046 to req6051, Mathematics at 50% or better, and a deadline of 27 October 2026. Choose your trade today, gather your academic records, and finish the online submission with time to spare. Keep your reference number and submission confirmation somewhere safe. They are your proof that you applied.