Artisan & Technician Careers at Transnet

Transnet relies on skilled artisans and technicians to keep locomotives running, ports operating, pipelines flowing, and engineering facilities productive. Whether you’re a recently qualified tradesperson or an experienced artisan, Transnet offers rewarding career opportunities across South Africa.

What Do Artisans & Technicians Do at Transnet?

As a qualified artisan or technician at Transnet, you’ll perform specialized maintenance, repair, and installation work on complex systems and equipment. Your role is critical to ensuring operational excellence across Transnet’s divisions.

Key Responsibilities:

• Perform preventative and corrective maintenance on specialized equipment
• Diagnose and repair mechanical, electrical, or hydraulic faults
• Install and commission new systems and components
• Conduct quality inspections and compliance checks
• Mentor apprentices and general workers
• Document maintenance activities and technical reports
• Ensure all work complies with safety regulations

Why Work as an Artisan at Transnet?

• Job Security: Critical infrastructure always needs skilled maintenance
• Competitive Pay: R18,000–R35,000/month based on experience and specialization
• Career Growth: Clear pathways to engineering and management roles
• Variety: Work on diverse equipment from locomotives to port cranes
• Training: Continuous upskilling and certification opportunities

Explore Other Transnet Career Paths

Don’t limit yourself! Discover more opportunities across Transnet:

→ General Worker Jobs – NO EXPERIENCE | R10,000-R15,000/month

→ Apprenticeships – PAID TRAINING | 3-4 years | R6,000-R12,000/month

→ Learnerships & Graduate Programs – FOR GRADUATES | R4,000-R10,000/month

→ Artisan & Technician – HIGH DEMAND | R18,000-R35,000/month

→ Train Driver – SPECIALIZED | R18,000-R40,000/month

→ Engineering & Project Management – PROFESSIONAL | R35,000-R80,000+/month

→ Warehouse & Inventory – HANDS-ON | R14,000-R35,000/month

→ Port Operations & Logistics – MARITIME | R15,000-R45,000/month

→ Security & Asset Protection – PSIRA REQUIRED | R10,000-R28,000/month

→ Safety, Health & Environmental – COMPLIANCE | R20,000-R50,000/month

→ Finance, HR & Corporate – OFFICE-BASED | R15,000-R70,000+/month

Every role offers: Job security | Medical aid | Provident fund | Career growth | Training

Compare All Careers → | Salary Calculator → | Apply Now →

Artisan & Technician Positions Available at Transnet

1. Electricians (Industrial/Traction)

What You’ll Do: Maintain and repair electrical systems in locomotives, rolling stock, port equipment, and industrial facilities. Work with high-voltage systems, control panels, motors, and automation systems.

Specializations:

• Traction Electrician: Focus on locomotive electrical systems
• Industrial Electrician: Maintain port and facility electrical infrastructure
• Instrumentation Technician: Specialize in control systems and PLCs

Requirements:

• Completed electrical apprenticeship or Red Seal certification
• Trade Test certificate (N3 with practical modules)
• 2-5+ years experience (depending on seniority)
• Valid electrical wireman’s license (advantageous)

Salary Range: R20,000–R35,000/month

Work Locations: Durban, Pretoria, Cape Town, Johannesburg, Bloemfontein, Port Elizabeth

2. Fitters & Turners

What You’ll Do: Machine precision components, assemble mechanical systems, and maintain complex machinery used in locomotives and industrial equipment. Interpret technical drawings and specifications.

Specializations:

• Locomotive Fitter: Work on train mechanical systems
• General Fitter: Maintain diverse industrial equipment
• Precision Machinist: Produce high-tolerance components

Requirements:

• Completed fitter & turner apprenticeship or equivalent
• Trade Test certificate (Red Seal preferred)
• 2+ years practical experience
• Proficiency in lathe, milling, and CNC operations

Salary Range: R18,000–R30,000/month

Work Locations: Transnet Engineering facilities nationwide

3. Diesel Mechanics

What You’ll Do: Maintain, diagnose, and repair diesel locomotives and heavy machinery. Work on engines, transmissions, hydraulics, pneumatics, and fuel systems critical to Transnet’s freight operations.

Specializations:

• Locomotive Diesel Mechanic: Focus on freight train engines
• Heavy Equipment Mechanic: Maintain port handling equipment
• Diagnostic Technician: Specialize in electronic diagnostics

Requirements:

• Diesel mechanic trade qualification (N2/N3 with practical)
• Trade Test certificate
• 2+ years experience on heavy diesel equipment
• Diagnostic equipment proficiency
• Valid Code 14 driver’s license (advantageous)

Salary Range: R20,000–R35,000/month

Work Locations: All major rail depots and maintenance facilities

Career Path: Progress to Train Driver positions or technical supervision

4. Welders (Coded & Certified)

What You’ll Do: Perform structural and pressure vessel welding on locomotives, rail infrastructure, port equipment, and pipeline systems. Conduct quality inspections and weld testing.

Specializations:

• Structural Welder: Rail infrastructure and facilities
• Pressure Vessel Welder: Pipeline and boiler systems
• Stainless Steel Welder: Specialized applications

Requirements:

• Completed welding apprenticeship or certification
• Trade Test certificate (Red Seal)
• Valid coded welding certificates (SAIW)
• 2+ years experience in industrial welding
• Proficiency in MIG, TIG, Arc, and Gas welding

Salary Range: R18,000–R32,000/month

Work Locations: Engineering workshops, rail maintenance facilities, ports

5. Boilermakers

What You’ll Do: Fabricate, assemble, install, and repair metal structures, pressure vessels, and boiler systems used in locomotives and industrial operations.

Requirements:

• Boilermaker trade qualification
• Trade Test certificate (Red Seal)
• 2-5+ years experience in metal fabrication
• Blueprint reading and interpretation skills
• Valid coded welding certificates

Salary Range: R20,000–R33,000/month

Work Locations: Engineering facilities, maintenance depots

6. Millwrights

What You’ll Do: Install, maintain, align, and repair industrial machinery and mechanical systems across Transnet’s operations. Perform precision alignment using laser equipment.

Requirements:

• Millwright trade qualification
• Trade Test certificate (Red Seal)
• 3+ years experience in industrial maintenance
• Proficiency in machinery installation and alignment
• Bearing, gearbox, and hydraulic system expertise

Salary Range: R22,000–R35,000/month

Work Locations: All divisions—Engineering, Ports, Rail, Pipelines

7. Instrumentation Technicians

What You’ll Do: Maintain, calibrate, and repair control systems, PLCs, sensors, and instrumentation used in automated systems across ports, pipelines, and rail operations.

Requirements:

• Instrumentation technician certification (N3 + practical)
• 2-5+ years experience with PLCs and SCADA systems
• Understanding of control theory and automation
• Electrical/electronic diagnostic skills

Salary Range: R22,000–R36,000/month

Work Locations: Pipelines, ports, automated facilities

Career Path: Progress to engineering automation roles

8. Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Technicians

What You’ll Do: Maintain HVAC systems in locomotives, port facilities, and administrative buildings. Install, service, and repair refrigeration units.

Requirements:

• Refrigeration technician certification
• Trade Test certificate
• 2+ years practical experience
• Gas handling certification (advantageous)

Salary Range: R18,000–R28,000/month

Work Locations: Major facilities and depots nationwide

Artisan & Technician Salary Structure at Transnet

Additional Earnings:

• Overtime: R2,000–R5,000/month (common due to shift work and maintenance schedules)
• Night Shift Allowance: 15-30% premium for night work
• On-Call Allowance: Additional compensation for emergency callouts
• Skills Allowance: Extra pay for specialized certifications (coded welding, high-voltage, etc.)

Comprehensive Benefits Package:

• Medical aid (company contribution)
• Provident fund (employer contribution)
• Death and disability cover
• Annual leave (21 days)
• Sick leave
• Uniform and PPE provided
• Training and development opportunities
• Study assistance for further qualifications
• Housing allowances (location-dependent)

General Requirements for Artisan Positions

Essential Qualifications:

• Trade Qualification: Completed apprenticeship, N3 certificate with practical modules, or equivalent
• Trade Test Certificate: Red Seal certification highly preferred
• Experience: 2-5+ years in relevant trade (varies by position and seniority)
• Age: 18-55 years
• Health: Medically fit for physical work, pass pre-employment medical

Technical Competencies:

• Proficiency in your specific trade skills
• Blueprint and technical drawing interpretation
• Use of precision measuring instruments
• Diagnostic and troubleshooting abilities
• Understanding of safety regulations and compliance
• Basic computer literacy for documentation systems

Soft Skills:

• Strong problem-solving abilities
• Attention to detail and quality focus
• Ability to work independently and in teams
• Good communication skills for reporting and coordination
• Willingness to work shifts, weekends, and overtime when required
• Commitment to continuous learning and development

Documents Typically Required:

• Certified copy of trade certificates and qualifications
• Certified copy of Trade Test certificate
• Curriculum Vitae detailing work experience
• Certified copy of South African ID
• Certified academic transcripts
• Reference letters from previous employers
• Clear police clearance certificate
• Proof of residential address

How to Apply for Artisan Positions at Transnet

Step 1: Ensure Qualifications Are Current

• Verify your trade certificates are certified and valid
• Update any expired certifications (welding codes, electrical licenses)
• Gather reference letters from previous employers

Step 2: Prepare Your Application

Create a comprehensive CV highlighting:

• Your trade qualification and Trade Test certification
• Detailed work experience with specific equipment and systems
• Special certifications (coded welding, high-voltage licenses, etc.)
• Major projects or achievements in previous roles
• Training courses and upskilling completed
• Safety record and compliance experience

Step 3: Search for Openings

• Transnet Career Portal: jobs.transnet.net – Search “artisan,” “fitter,” “electrician,” “mechanic,” etc.
• Application Windows: Positions advertised throughout the year as needs arise
• Set Alerts: Register on portal for email notifications

Explore Related Transnet Career Paths

Customer service connects with all aspects of Transnet:

• General Worker Jobs → – Entry pathway to Transnet
• Apprenticeship Programs → – Technical training opportunities
• Artisan & Technician Careers → – Support customers by ensuring equipment works
• Port Operations & Logistics → – Coordinate closely with operations
• Train Driver Positions → – Customer service supports rail operations
• Engineering & Project Management → – Service quality depends on reliable assets
• Safety, Health & Environmental → – Safety is part of customer promise
• Finance, HR & Corporate Services → – Sales, marketing, admin support roles
• Warehouse & Inventory Management → – Inventory affects service delivery
• Security & Asset Protection → – Security ensures reliable service
• Learnerships & Graduate Programs → – Entry pathway for graduates