Are you a recently qualified plumbing artisan looking for on-site technical experience with one of South Africa’s biggest infrastructure organisations? Transnet SOC Ltd is calling passionate, career-driven youth to apply for the Work Integrated Learning (WIL) Plumber Programme—a structured opportunity designed to build your expertise in real engineering environments.
This programme is ideal for young artisans eager to apply their training, grow their technical confidence, and contribute to maintaining South Africa’s critical infrastructure systems.
Overview of the Transnet WIL Plumber Programme
Employer Needs:
Transnet requires newly qualified plumbing artisans who are enthusiastic, safety-conscious, and ready to gain hands-on experience. Through this specialised programme, learners support the maintenance and improvement of Transnet’s facilities, infrastructure, and water systems. Successful candidates will benefit from workplace mentorship, practical exposure, and industry-leading training.
Programme Details
- Employer: Transnet SOC Ltd
- Position: Work Integrated Technical Learner – Plumber
- Industry: Infrastructure Maintenance and Water Systems Solutions
- Opportunity Type: Learnership / Work Integrated Learning (WIL)
- Duration: 24 months (Fixed-Term Contract)
- Stipend: Market-related
- Experience Required: 0–1 year
- Minimum Qualification: Grade 12 (Matric) + Plumbing Trade Test (Red Seal)
- Closing Date: 25 November 2025
- Reference Number: req3721
- Location: Various Transnet sites across South Africa
About Transnet SOC Ltd
Transnet is South Africa’s leading state-owned freight transport and infrastructure company. While widely recognized for operations in rail, pipelines, ports, and property management, Transnet also plays a crucial role in maintaining national infrastructure through its Engineering and Maintenance divisions.
The company’s Youth Development Division focuses on developing skilled artisans to support the country’s future energy, mechanical, maintenance, and water systems needs. The WIL Plumber Programme aligns strongly with this mission, ensuring young artisans gain essential workplace exposure to become fully competent in their trade.
About the WIL Plumber Role
The Work Integrated Technical Learner will operate under the supervision of experienced technicians and mentors. The role provides comprehensive exposure to plumbing activities within industrial and large-scale facility environments.
This includes hands-on work involving:
- Water supply systems
- Sanitation infrastructure
- Pipeline repairs
- Preventative maintenance
- Mechanical fault diagnosis
- Safety and compliance procedures
By the end of the programme, learners will have developed strong technical foundations and the confidence to operate in complex maintenance settings.
Key Responsibilities
As a WIL Plumber Learner, you will:
- Conduct routine plumbing maintenance, installation, and repair tasks.
- Diagnose and resolve faults in water supply and sanitation systems.
- Ensure strict adherence to health, safety, environmental, and quality standards.
- Manage tools, fittings, and materials effectively to maintain operational readiness.
- Assist in planning and executing preventative maintenance schedules.
- Prepare maintenance reports and document completed tasks for supervisor review.
- Support senior technicians in asset management and compliance processes.
These tasks are essential for ensuring that Transnet’s facilities run smoothly and meet national safety requirements.
Minimum Requirements
To qualify for the WIL Plumber Programme, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Red Seal Trade Test Certificate in Plumbing
- Trade test completed within the past 4 years
- 0–1 year of work experience (ideal for newly qualified artisans)
- South African citizen aged 18–35
- Completed Grade 12 (Matric)
- Willingness to be placed at any Transnet site, depending on operational needs
Core Competencies Needed
Successful applicants should demonstrate:
- Solid basic-to-intermediate plumbing skills
- Good understanding of OHS and safety compliance standards
- Technical problem-solving ability
- Willingness to learn through hands-on mentorship
- Professional behaviour and willingness to work in a team
- Good communication and time management abilities
These qualities are essential for thriving in a high-performance engineering environment.
Why This Programme Matters for Youth Artisans
The WIL Technical Programme is designed to bridge the gap between theoretical learning and real-world industry application. Newly qualified artisans often struggle to gain experience—but Transnet’s initiative gives them structured exposure, mentorship, and confidence-building opportunities.
Benefits Include:
- Practical work experience at a leading South African SOE
- Work-based mentorship from senior artisans
- A strong foundation for long-term employment
- Increased employability in both the public and private sector
- Hands-on experience with large-scale plumbing systems
This programme does not only build skills—it builds careers.
Employment Prospects After the Programme
Completing a WIL Learnership at Transnet enhances your chances of employment across multiple industries, including:
- Construction and civil engineering
- Plumbing and water systems maintenance
- Municipal infrastructure services
- Industrial maintenance and manufacturing
- Energy and utility sectors
Some learners may be absorbed into Transnet depending on performance and operational requirements.
How to Apply
Applicants must submit their online application via the Transnet Careers Portal before 25 November 2025.
Prepare the following documents:
- Certified ID copy
- Certified Matric certificate
- Red Seal Plumbing Trade Test Certificate
- Updated CV
Be sure to quote the reference number: req3721.
Conclusion
Transnet’s WIL Plumber Programme offers an exceptional opportunity for young, newly qualified plumbing artisans to gain industry-based experience within one of the country’s most important infrastructure organisations. If you are passionate about plumbing, eager to learn, and ready to take the next step in your career, this programme is your gateway to growth, confidence, and long-term professional success.
Apply before the deadline and take the first step towards building a strong future in South Africa’s infrastructure maintenance sector
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