Young Professional-in-Training – Human Resources Management Opportunity at Transnet Engineering Kilner Park

Transnet Engineering is inviting dynamic and recently qualified graduates to apply for the Young Professional-in-Training – Human Resources Management opportunity in Kilner Park, South Africa. This 24-month programme is designed to provide young graduates with relevant workplace experience through structured learning, practical exposure and organisational support. The opportunity is suited to candidates who have completed a National Diploma at NQF Level 6 or a BCom degree in Human Resources or a related field and are looking to establish a professional career in Human Resources.

The Young Professional-in-Training programme provides graduates with an opportunity to move from academic study into a structured corporate environment while developing practical workplace skills. Participants will shadow experienced staff members, attend meetings and workshops, take part in learning activities and gain exposure to other functions within the department. The programme will also provide experience in administration, research, stakeholder communication and project work, helping successful candidates develop a broad foundation in HR and professional business practices.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver specific tasks and assignments within the relevant work-stream or department.
• Participate fully in the 24-month Young Professional-in-Training programme.
• Shadow various staff members to gain practical insight into different Human Resources and workplace functions.
• Participate in structured learning experiences designed to build professional competence.
• Attend relevant meetings, workshops and other development activities.
• Gain practical exposure to Human Resources Management activities within Transnet Engineering.
• Communicate with customers and stakeholders to understand their needs and requirements clearly.
• Determine the level of urgency associated with customer requirements and respond appropriately.
• Keep customers regularly updated on the progress of their requirements.
• Serve as a central contact point for supplier and end-user queries.
• Ensure supplier and end-user queries are addressed satisfactorily and within the required timeframes.
• Provide general administrative support to the department.
• Conduct research and provide research assistance when required.
• Assist with the preparation, organisation and maintenance of HR-related information and documentation.
• Execute project work efficiently and effectively.
• Work independently on allocated assignments while also contributing to team projects.
• Produce accurate and quality work that can be used as input for appropriate project solutions.
• Maintain organised records and supporting information for assigned activities.
• Communicate professionally with employees, colleagues, customers, suppliers and other stakeholders.
• Apply problem-solving skills when dealing with workplace challenges and queries.
• Follow established procedures, instructions and organisational requirements.
• Complete assigned tasks accurately and within agreed deadlines.
• Participate actively in learning and professional development activities.
• Support departmental deliverables and contribute positively to team objectives.
• Develop an understanding of how Human Resources supports the broader operations of Transnet Engineering.

Requirements and Skills

• A National Diploma at NQF Level 6 or a BCom degree in Human Resources or a related field is required.
• Applicants must be South African citizens.
• Candidates should have up to one year of relevant work experience.
• Applicants must be between 18 and 35 years of age.
• Good written communication skills are essential.
• Good verbal communication skills are required.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word is required.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel is required.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook is required.
• Proficiency in Microsoft PowerPoint is required.
• Candidates should be able to work effectively as part of a team.
• Strong problem-solving skills are important.
• Attention to detail is essential when handling HR, administrative and project-related information.
• Candidates should have good organisational skills and the ability to manage assigned responsibilities.
• Strong interpersonal skills are important when interacting with employees, customers and other stakeholders.
• The ability to work independently when required is advantageous.
• Applicants should demonstrate a willingness to learn and develop professionally.
• Candidates should be adaptable and comfortable participating in a structured learning programme.
• Good time-management skills are important for managing multiple assignments and deadlines.
• A professional approach to customer and stakeholder communication is required.
• Preference will be given to applicants with disabilities and women in line with Transnet’s employment equity objectives.

The Transnet Young Professional-in-Training – Human Resources Management programme offers recently qualified graduates an opportunity to gain meaningful workplace experience while developing practical HR and business skills. The 24-month programme combines structured learning with hands-on exposure, helping participants understand how Human Resources functions operate within a large organisation. It is particularly suited to graduates who want to strengthen their professional capabilities while building a foundation for a career in Human Resources.

A major part of the programme involves learning directly from experienced employees. Participants will shadow staff members, attend meetings and workshops and gain exposure to different functions within the department. This practical approach allows graduates to see how academic knowledge is applied in real workplace situations while developing confidence and professional judgement.

The role also extends beyond traditional HR administration, as participants will gain experience in customer communication, supplier and end-user query management, research and project work. These responsibilities can help graduates develop transferable skills in communication, organisation, problem-solving and stakeholder management. The ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a team will be important throughout the programme.

Candidates applying for the Human Resources Management opportunity should be prepared to communicate professionally with different stakeholders and provide timely responses to queries. Strong written and verbal communication skills will be important, while proficiency in Microsoft Office will support the administrative and reporting requirements of the role. Attention to detail will also be essential when preparing documents, maintaining records and completing assigned project activities.

The position is based in Kilner Park and forms part of Transnet Engineering’s Youth Development programme. Applicants should be prepared to participate in the full 24-month learning experience and take responsibility for their personal development throughout the programme. A willingness to learn, adaptability and a positive attitude towards new responsibilities will help successful candidates gain maximum value from the opportunity.

Candidates must hold a National Diploma at NQF Level 6 or a BCom degree in Human Resources or a related field. The vacancy allows applicants with up to one year of relevant experience to apply, making it suitable for recent graduates who may have limited professional exposure. Applicants must also be between 18 and 35 years of age and be South African citizens.

Transnet states that preference will be given to applicants with disabilities and women in line with its employment equity objectives. More broadly, preference will be given to suitably qualified applicants who are members of designated groups in accordance with the Employment Equity Plan and targets of the organisation or operating division. Applicants should ensure that they meet the stated requirements before submitting their applications.

This Young Professional-in-Training opportunity can provide valuable exposure to Human Resources administration, stakeholder engagement, project work and professional development within Transnet Engineering. The structured two-year programme can help graduates strengthen their CVs while developing practical skills that can support future opportunities in HR and related business functions. Candidates who are motivated, organised and ready to learn are encouraged to apply.

The closing date for applications is 25 September 2026, and applicants are responsible for ensuring that Human Resources receives their applications before the deadline. Candidates should submit complete and accurate applications through the official Transnet careers platform. The programme provides a useful opportunity for qualified young professionals to gain workplace experience while developing their Human Resources and business skills.

Apply here