Transnet invites suitably qualified applicants to apply for the Trainee Controller Learnership Programme 2026 at various locations across South Africa.
Learnership Application Closing Date: 06 October 2026
Learnership Location: Various Locations, South Africa
Reference Number: req5963
Operating Division: Transnet Corporate Centre
Employee Group: Trainee
Department: TA, FOLDRS & FUNC – Youth Development
Grade: LRN
Reporting To: Senior Specialist: Youth Development
About the Transnet Trainee Controller Learnership 2026
The Transnet Trainee Controller Learnership provides candidates with training to develop the skills required to support the safe and efficient movement of petroleum products through Transnet’s pipeline network.
Controllers operate specialised equipment according to scheduled programmes and instructions while considering product volume and quality, personnel safety, company assets and the needs of internal and external customers.
Successful trainees will receive practical training in pipeline operations, risk and pollution control, product handling, maintenance, metering and product quality testing.
Minimum Qualifications
Applicants 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 and Instrumentation
Applicants must also have:
- A good command of the English language.
- A valid Code 08–10 driver’s licence.
- The ability to pass a competency assessment covering:
- Technical ability
- Numerical reasoning
- Verbal reasoning
- Abstract reasoning
Training and Responsibilities
Trainee Controllers will be trained to perform a range of operational functions within the pipeline environment.
Training will include risk and pollution control, communicating the risk status of depots, extracting relevant information from operational systems and ensuring compliance with company and legislative requirements.
Participants will also receive exposure to monitoring separator tanks, detecting leaks and spillages, draining water from bund areas and handling transmixtures and intermixtures.
Pipeline Operations and Product Handling
Trainees will learn how to use company operating systems and specialised software to control pipeline equipment.
Responsibilities covered during training include:
- Extracting and capturing operational information.
- Checking information for accuracy.
- Prioritising activities according to company policies and procedures.
- Planning and handling transmixtures and intermixtures.
- Planning and performing blending activities.
- Tanker loading of intermixtures.
- Communicating relevant operational information.
Maintenance Training
The programme also provides exposure to scheduled and unscheduled minor maintenance.
Trainees may learn how to:
- Test equipment.
- Lubricate equipment.
- Conduct minor repairs.
- Perform scheduled minor maintenance.
- Capture and extract maintenance-related information.
Launching and Receiving Pigs and Spheres
Trainee Controllers will receive training relating to the launching and receiving of pigs and spheres within pipeline operations.
This includes:
- Communicating information relating to launches.
- Using relevant operating systems and software.
- Following company procedures.
- Isolating and draining equipment.
- Performing the required opening procedures.
Product Metering and Pipeline Shutdowns
Participants will also be trained in product metering and pipeline shutdown procedures.
Training includes:
- Using company operating systems.
- Controlling metering equipment.
- Extracting and capturing information.
- Checking product metering equipment.
- Monitoring pipeline shutdowns.
- Dealing with substandard conditions.
- Implementing corrective actions during pipeline shutdowns.
Product Quality Testing
Trainees will learn how to conduct product quality tests using Transnet’s relevant testing equipment and software.
They will also monitor the initial performance of pipeline equipment and product movement and capture relevant operational information.
Competencies
Applicants should demonstrate the following competencies:
- Analytical ability.
- Perseverance.
- Sound interpersonal skills.
- Attention to detail.
- Conflict-handling skills.
- Ability to remain composed in stressful situations.
- Ability to work independently and in isolation.
- High frustration tolerance.
Important Information
The vacancy was posted on 23 September 2026.
Applicants are responsible for ensuring that their applications reach Transnet Human Resources before the advertised closing date.
Candidates should ensure that the information provided in their applications is complete and accurate before submitting.
How to Apply
Applications for the Transnet Trainee Controller Learnership 2026 must be submitted online through the Transnet Talent Portal.
Click here to apply for Transnet Trainee Controller Learnership 2026
Reference Number: req5963
Closing Date: 06 October 2026
Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications before the deadline rather than waiting until the final day.
Meta Description
Transnet invites applicants with Grade 12 Mathematics and Physical Science or relevant N3 Technical Engineering qualifications to apply for the Trainee Controller Learnership 2026. Opportunities are available at various locations. Applications close 06 October 2026.