Transnet invites suitably qualified South African applicants to apply for the Trainee Controller Learnership Programme 2026 at various locations.
Learnership Application Closing Date: 06 October 2026
Learnership Location: Various locations, South Africa
Reference Number: req5963
About the Transnet Trainee Controller Learnership
The Transnet Trainee Controller Learnership is designed to train successful candidates to support the safe and efficient movement of petroleum products through the pipeline network.
Trainees will receive practical exposure to specialised pipeline equipment, operational systems, risk control, product metering, maintenance activities and product quality monitoring.
The programme falls under the Transnet Corporate Centre and Youth Development.
Position Details
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Transnet |
| Position | Trainee Controller – Learnership |
| Operating Division | Transnet Corporate Centre |
| Employee Group | Trainee |
| Department | Youth Development |
| Location | Various Locations |
| Reporting To | Senior Specialist: Youth Development |
| Grade | LRN |
| Reference Number | req5963 |
| Closing Date | 06 October 2026 |
Position Purpose
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.
- Product quality.
- Safety of personnel.
- Protection of company assets.
- Internal customer requirements.
- External customer requirements.
Duties and Responsibilities
Successful trainees will be trained in the following areas:
Risk and Pollution Control
Trainees will learn how to:
- Monitor the risk status of depots.
- Communicate risk information to relevant role players.
- Prepare and maintain reports and documentation.
- Extract information from applicable systems.
- Apply company and legislative requirements.
- Monitor permits, protective clothing, restrictions and instructions.
- Monitor separator tanks.
- Detect leaks and spillages.
- Drain water from bund areas.
Product and Intermixture Handling
Trainees will be trained to:
- Handle transmixtures and intermixtures.
- Use company operational systems and software.
- Control pipeline equipment.
- Extract and capture operational information.
- Verify information for accuracy.
- Prioritise activities according to company procedures.
- Plan and handle blending activities.
- Support tanker loading of intermixtures.
Minor Maintenance
Training will include:
- Planned minor maintenance.
- Unscheduled minor maintenance.
- Testing equipment.
- Lubricating equipment.
- Carrying out minor repairs.
- Capturing maintenance information.
Pigs and Spheres Operations
Trainees will learn how to:
- Communicate information related to launching pigs and spheres.
- Use relevant company systems and software.
- Launch pigs and spheres according to procedures.
- Isolate and drain equipment.
- Perform opening procedures safely.
Product Metering
Responsibilities will include training in:
- Operating product metering equipment.
- Using company operating systems.
- Capturing and extracting information.
- Checking metering equipment.
- Monitoring product movement.
Pipeline Shutdowns
Trainees will learn how to:
- Perform product movement shutdowns.
- Identify substandard conditions.
- Implement corrective actions.
- Monitor pipeline shutdowns.
- Capture relevant operational information.
Product Quality Testing
Training will also cover:
- Using product quality testing equipment.
- Using relevant software.
- Monitoring pipeline equipment performance.
- Monitoring product movement.
- Capturing quality information.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must have one of the following:
- Grade 12 / Standard 10 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
Additional Requirements
Applicants must also:
- Pass a competency assessment covering:
- Technical ability
- Numerical reasoning
- Verbal reasoning
- Abstract reasoning
- Have a good command of the English language.
- Have a valid Code 08 driver’s licence.
Who Should Apply?
This learnership may be suitable for candidates interested in careers in:
- Pipeline Operations
- Petroleum Operations
- Chemical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Instrumentation
- Process Control
- Depot Operations
- Technical Operations
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online through the official Transnet careers portal.
Click here to apply for Transnet Trainee Controller Learnership 2026
Applicants are responsible for ensuring that Transnet Human Resources receives their application before the closing date.
Closing Date: 06 October 2026