Transnet Trainee Controller Learnership 2026 โ Grade 12 or N3 | Various Locations | Apply by 6 October 2026
Transnet is inviting applications for its Trainee Controller Learnership Programme 2026. This opportunity is offered through the Transnet Corporate Centre’s Youth Development Department and is available at various locations across South Africa.
The programme is designed to train successful candidates to become controllers responsible for the safe and efficient movement of petroleum products through Transnet’s pipeline network.
Applicants may qualify with Grade 12 including Mathematics and Physical Science, or an N3 Technical Engineering qualification in specified engineering fields.
A valid Code 08โ10 driver’s licence is also required.
Applications close on 6 October 2026.
Job Overview
| Job Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Employer | Transnet |
| Programme | Trainee Controller Learnership |
| Reference Number | req5963 |
| Operating Division | Transnet Corporate Centre |
| Employee Group | Trainee |
| Department | Youth Development |
| Location | Various Locations, South Africa |
| Reporting To | Senior Specialist: Youth Development |
| Grade | LRN |
| Minimum Qualification | Grade 12 or N3 Technical Engineering |
| Driver’s Licence | Code 08โ10 |
| Posted | 23 September 2026 |
| Closing Date | 6 October 2026 |
| Application Method | Online |
About the Transnet Trainee Controller Learnership
The Transnet Trainee Controller Learnership provides structured training for individuals interested in developing a career within pipeline operations.
Controllers play an important role in ensuring that petroleum products move safely and efficiently through Transnet’s pipeline network.
During the programme, trainees will be developed in areas such as pipeline operations, petroleum product movement, risk and pollution control, product quality testing, equipment monitoring, metering and minor maintenance.
The programme also involves learning how to operate specialised pipeline equipment and company operating systems while complying with safety procedures and relevant legislation.
This is a technical learning opportunity, so applicants should be comfortable working with mathematics, technical information, operational systems and safety procedures.
Position Purpose
The purpose of the Controller position is to ensure the safe and efficient movement of petroleum products through the pipeline network.
Controllers operate specialised equipment according to scheduled programmes and instructions while taking into consideration:
- Product volumes.
- Product quality.
- Safety of employees.
- Protection of company assets.
- Environmental risks.
- Internal customer requirements.
- External customer requirements.
Successful learners will be trained to perform these responsibilities.
Key Training Areas and Responsibilities
1. Risk and Pollution Control
Trainees will learn how to:
- Communicate the risk status of the depot to relevant personnel.
- Prepare and maintain appropriate reports.
- Extract information from relevant systems.
- Follow company and legislative safety requirements.
- Monitor separator tanks.
- Detect leaks and spillages.
- Drain water from bund areas.
- Follow applicable permit, protective clothing and safety requirements.
Environmental protection and safe operating procedures are important aspects of pipeline operations.
2. Handling Transmixtures and Intermixtures
Trainees will receive training in the handling and control of petroleum product mixtures.
This may include:
- Using company operating systems and software.
- Controlling pipeline equipment.
- Extracting operational information.
- Capturing information accurately.
- Verifying information.
- Prioritising activities according to company procedures.
- Planning the handling of transmixtures and intermixtures.
- Assisting with blending activities.
- Handling tanker loading of intermixtures.
3. Minor Maintenance
Trainees will learn how to perform appropriate minor maintenance activities.
Training will include:
- Planning minor maintenance.
- Performing scheduled minor maintenance.
- Performing unscheduled minor maintenance.
- Testing equipment.
- Lubricating equipment.
- Carrying out permitted minor repairs.
- Capturing maintenance-related information.
4. Launching and Receiving Pigs and Spheres
Pipeline pigs and spheres are used as part of pipeline operating and maintenance activities.
Trainees will learn how to:
- Communicate information relating to launching operations.
- Use the required operating systems and software.
- Follow company procedures.
- Isolate relevant equipment.
- Drain systems where required.
- Complete opening procedures.
- Launch and receive pigs and spheres safely.
5. Product Metering
Another important part of the training involves petroleum product measurement and metering.
Trainees will learn to:
- Use company operating systems.
- Control metering equipment.
- Extract operational information.
- Capture relevant information.
- Check product metering equipment.
- Follow applicable procedures.
Accuracy is particularly important because product quantities and operational information must be recorded correctly.
6. Pipeline Shutdowns
Trainees will learn how pipeline product movement is safely shut down when necessary.
Activities include:
- Monitoring pipeline shutdowns.
- Identifying substandard operating conditions.
- Implementing appropriate corrective actions.
- Extracting operational information.
- Capturing shutdown information accurately.
- Following company procedures during shutdown operations.
7. Product Quality Testing
Trainees will also receive exposure to petroleum product quality monitoring.
Training may include:
- Using product quality testing equipment.
- Using applicable software.
- Conducting required product quality tests.
- Monitoring the initial performance of pipeline equipment.
- Monitoring product movement.
- Capturing relevant information accurately.
Minimum Qualifications
Applicants must have one of the following:
Option 1: Grade 12
Standard 10 / Grade 12 with:
- Mathematics; and
- Physical Science.
OR
Option 2: N3 Technical Engineering
An N3 Technical Engineering qualification in one of the following fields:
- Chemical Engineering.
- Mechanical Engineering.
- Electrical Engineering.
- Metering Control and Instrumentation.
Applicants should ensure their qualifications meet the specific requirements stated in the Transnet advertisement.
Additional Requirements
Candidates must also meet the following requirements:
- Pass a competency assessment for technical ability.
- Pass numerical reasoning assessment requirements.
- Pass verbal reasoning assessment requirements.
- Pass abstract reasoning assessment requirements.
- Have a good command of English.
- Possess a valid Code 08โ10 driver’s licence.
The competency assessment forms part of the advertised requirements, so applicants should be prepared for aptitude-style testing if selected for the relevant stage of recruitment.
Competencies
Transnet identifies the following competencies as important for the programme:
- Analytical ability.
- Perseverance.
- Good interpersonal skills.
- Attention to detail.
- Conflict-handling ability.
- Ability to remain composed.
- Ability to handle stressful situations.
- Ability to work independently and in isolation.
- High frustration tolerance.
These qualities are particularly important because pipeline control work can require careful monitoring, accurate decision-making and strict adherence to safety procedures.