Transnet Controller Trainee Programme 2026 / 2027 Vacancy

Opportunity Overview

Transnet is offering an exciting Controller Trainee Programme for 2026/2027. This programme is designed to train individuals for a crucial role in ensuring the safe and efficient movement of petroleum products across Transnet's extensive pipeline network.

As a Controller Trainee, you will learn to operate highly specialized equipment, adhering strictly to scheduled programmes, volume and quality standards, and paramount safety protocols for personnel and company assets. This is an opportunity to contribute to a vital sector of South Africa's economy with a leading state-owned enterprise.

Minimum Requirements

To be considered for this programme, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Grade 12 with Mathematics and Physical Science, OR
• N3 Technical Engineering qualification in Chemical, Mechanical, Electrical, or Metering Control & Instrumentation.
• Passed a competency assessment for technical ability, numeric, verbal, and abstract reasoning.
• Good command of the English language.
• Valid Driver’s license (code 08 - 10).

Key Responsibilities

The trainee controller will be trained to perform the following key tasks:

• Implement risk and pollution control measures, including reporting, documenting, and extracting relevant information.
• Apply and enforce company and legislative regulations pertaining to risk, permits, and safety.
• Monitor separator tanks, detect leaks and spillages, and drain water from bund areas.
• Manage transmixtures and intermixtures using company operating systems and software.
• Plan and execute blending and tanker loading of intermixtures.
• Perform minor scheduled and unscheduled maintenance tasks, including testing, lubricating, and repairing equipment.
• Launch and receive Pigs and Spheres according to company policies and procedures.
• Perform product metering using company operating systems and control metering equipment.
• Conduct shutdowns of product movement, implement corrective actions for substandard conditions, and monitor pipeline shutdowns.
• Perform product quality tests using specialized equipment and software, and monitor initial pipeline performance.

What the Work Involves

As a Controller Trainee at Transnet, you will learn to manage the safe and efficient flow of petroleum products within the pipeline network. This involves operating highly specialized equipment to execute scheduled programmes, always mindful of product volume, quality, and the safety of personnel and company assets.

Day-to-day tasks will include monitoring the pipeline for risks, detecting leaks or spillages, and draining water from bund areas. You will also learn to handle transmixtures and intermixtures by using company operating systems and software to control pipeline equipment, verify information, and plan blending processes.

A key part of the role involves performing minor scheduled and unscheduled maintenance, as well as launching and receiving pipeline pigs and spheres. Trainees will also be responsible for product metering and conducting product quality tests using specialized equipment. In cases of substandard conditions, you will learn to implement corrective actions and manage pipeline shutdowns. The role requires a strong focus on company policies, legislative regulations, and constant communication with relevant role players.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should apply online by the deadline of 06 October 2026.

To apply, please click on the following link: Apply for the Transnet Controller Trainee Programme here