Transnet is inviting suitably qualified candidates to apply for the Trainee Controller Learnership within its Transnet Corporate Centre. This learnership provides an opportunity for qualifying applicants to receive practical training and develop technical and operational skills related to the safe and efficient movement of petroleum products through the pipeline network.
The position is part of the Youth Development department and is available at various locations. Successful candidates will report to the Senior Specialist: Youth Development.
The closing date for applications is 6 October 2026. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that their applications are received by Human Resources before the closing date.
Transnet Trainee Controller Learnership 2026 Details
- Company: Transnet
- Operating Division: Transnet Corporate Centre
- Position: Trainee Controller – Learnership
- Employee Group: Trainee
- Department: TA, FOLDRS & FUNC – Youth Development
- Location: Various Locations
- Reporting To: Senior Specialist: Youth Development
- Grade: LRN
- Reference Number: req5963
- Closing Date: 6 October 2026
Purpose of the Trainee Controller Learnership
The Trainee Controller will be trained to support the safe and efficient movement of petroleum products through Transnet’s pipeline network.
The role involves operating specialised equipment according to scheduled programmes and instructions while considering product volume and quality, employee safety, company assets and the needs of both internal and external customers.
The training will expose learners to important operational activities, including pipeline control, product movement, risk and pollution control, maintenance, product metering and quality testing.
Duties and Responsibilities
During the learnership, trainees will be trained to perform various operational duties.
Risk and Pollution Control
Trainees will learn how to:
- Communicate information about the risk status of a depot to relevant role players.
- Report and document operational information.
- Extract information from applicable systems for risk-status reporting.
- Apply company policies and relevant legislation relating to risk management.
- Ensure that permits, protective clothing, restrictions and instructions are followed.
- Monitor separator tanks.
- Detect leaks and spillages.
- Drain water from bund areas.
- Handle transmixtures and intermixtures.
Communication and Information Management
The trainee will be expected to communicate relevant operational information and use company systems and software to control pipeline equipment involved in handling mixtures and intermixtures.
Training will include:
- Extracting and capturing information.
- Checking information for accuracy.
- Prioritising information according to company policies and procedures.
- Planning and handling transmixtures and intermixtures.
- Planning and handling blending operations.
- Supporting tanker loading of intermixtures.
Minor Maintenance
The learnership will also provide exposure to basic maintenance activities.
Trainees will be trained to:
- Plan and perform unscheduled minor maintenance.
- Test, lubricate and repair equipment.
- Plan and perform scheduled minor maintenance.
- Extract and capture maintenance-related information.
Launching and Receiving Pigs and Spheres
Another important part of the training involves pipeline equipment known as pigs and spheres.
Trainees will learn to:
- Communicate information relating to the launching of pigs and spheres.
- Use company systems and software to perform launching activities.
- Launch pigs and spheres according to company policies and procedures.
- Follow required isolation and drainage procedures.
- Carry out the necessary opening procedures safely.
Product Metering
The Trainee Controller will also receive training in product metering.
Responsibilities include:
- Communicating and using the company operating system.
- Operating product metering equipment.
- Extracting and capturing relevant information.
- Checking product metering equipment.
- Monitoring the accuracy and operation of metering equipment.
Pipeline Shutdowns
Trainees will be trained to deal with situations requiring the shutdown of product movement.
This includes:
- Dealing with substandard operating conditions.
- Implementing corrective action.
- Supporting the shutdown of pipelines.
- Monitoring pipeline shutdowns.
- Extracting and capturing relevant information.
Safety and compliance are particularly important when dealing with pipeline shutdowns and abnormal operating conditions.
Product Quality Testing
The learnership also includes practical exposure to product quality testing.
The trainee will learn how to:
- Use company product-quality testing equipment.
- Use relevant software.
- Monitor the initial performance of pipeline equipment.
- Monitor product movement.
- Capture relevant operational information.
Minimum Qualifications and Experience
Applicants must meet the stated qualification requirements.
Candidates must have one of the following:
- Standard 10/Grade 12 with Mathematics and Physical Science, OR
- N3 Technical Engineering in one of the following fields:
- Chemical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Metering Control & Instrumentation
Candidates must also have passed a competency assessment covering:
- Technical ability
- Numeric reasoning
- Verbal reasoning
- Abstract reasoning
Applicants should have a good command of the English language.
A valid Code 08–10 driver’s licence is also required.
Important Skills and Requirements
Because the Trainee Controller position involves specialised pipeline operations, applicants should be prepared to work in an environment where safety, accuracy and compliance are important.
The role requires trainees to follow operating procedures, communicate information accurately, use specialised systems and equipment, and respond appropriately to operational conditions.
Applicants should therefore carefully ensure that they meet all the qualifications and job requirements before applying.
How to Apply for the Transnet Trainee Controller Learnership
Interested and suitably qualified candidates should submit their applications before the closing date.
Reference: req5963
Position: Trainee Controller – Learnership
Closing Date: 6 October 2026
Applicants should make sure that Human Resources receives their application before the closing date. Late applications may not be considered.
HOW TO APPLY
Applicants are encouraged to use the official Transnet recruitment/application process and ensure that the correct reference number, req5963, is selected when applying.