Young Professional-in-Training – IT/ Computer Science Opportunity at Transnet Durban, PE, Ngqura & Saldanha

Transnet Port Terminals is inviting dynamic and recently qualified graduates to apply for the Young Professional-in-Training – IT/Computer Science opportunity in Durban, Port Elizabeth, Ngqura and Saldanha. This 24-month programme is designed to provide young professionals with relevant workplace experience through structured learning, practical exposure and organisational support. The opportunity is aimed at graduates who have completed a National Diploma or Degree in Information Technology, Computer Science or a related field and want to build practical experience in a professional operational environment.

The Young Professional-in-Training programme offers participants an opportunity to move from academic study into the workplace while developing technical, administrative, communication and project-related skills. Successful candidates will be exposed to different working functions within the department through staff shadowing, learning experiences, meetings and workshops. The programme also encourages participants to contribute to specific work-streams and projects while developing the ability to work independently and collaboratively.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver specific tasks and assignments within the relevant work-stream or department.
• Participate fully in the structured 24-month Young Professional-in-Training programme.
• Shadow different staff members to gain practical exposure to workplace functions and responsibilities.
• Participate in learning experiences designed to strengthen professional and technical capabilities.
• Attend relevant meetings, workshops and other development activities.
• Gain exposure to different working functions within the department.
• Apply academic IT and Computer Science knowledge to practical workplace assignments where appropriate.
• Communicate with customers to establish a clear understanding of their needs and requirements.
• Determine the level of urgency associated with customer requirements and respond appropriately.
• Keep customers regularly updated on the progress of their requests and requirements.
• Serve as a central contact point for supplier and end-user queries.
• Ensure supplier and end-user queries are followed up and addressed in a satisfactory and timeous manner.
• Provide general administrative assistance to support departmental activities.
• Conduct research and provide research-related assistance when required.
• Assist with compiling and organising information relevant to assigned projects and work-streams.
• Execute project work tasks effectively and efficiently.
• Work independently on allocated responsibilities while contributing effectively to team projects.
• Produce accurate and quality work that can be used as input in developing appropriate project solutions for clients.
• Support project teams with assigned deliverables and administrative requirements.
• Maintain organised records and supporting documentation relating to assigned tasks.
• Communicate professionally with customers, suppliers, colleagues and other stakeholders.
• Apply problem-solving skills when dealing with routine workplace challenges.
• Follow established instructions, procedures and organisational requirements.
• Take responsibility for completing allocated work accurately and within agreed timelines.
• Participate actively in learning and development activities throughout the programme.
• Build a practical understanding of workplace processes and how IT-related services support organisational operations.

Requirements and Skills

• A National Diploma or Degree in Information Technology, Computer Science or a related field is required.
• Applicants must be South African citizens.
• Candidates must be between 18 and 35 years of age.
• Applicants should have up to one year of work-related experience.
• The programme is aimed at recently qualified graduates seeking structured workplace exposure.
• Preference will be given to Persons With Disabilities.
• Good written communication skills are essential.
• Good verbal communication skills are required.
• Candidates should be proficient in Microsoft Word.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel is required.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook is required.
• Proficiency in Microsoft PowerPoint is required.
• Strong attention to detail is important when handling technical, administrative and project-related information.
• Candidates should have good problem-solving abilities.
• The ability to work effectively as part of a team is essential.
• Candidates should be able to follow instructions and established procedures consistently.
• Good organisational skills are important when managing assignments, documentation and deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal skills are required when interacting with customers, suppliers, colleagues and other stakeholders.
• Candidates should be able to communicate professionally and maintain positive working relationships.
• The ability to work independently and take responsibility for allocated tasks is important.
• A willingness to learn and develop new technical and professional skills is essential.
• Candidates should be adaptable and comfortable working in a structured learning environment.
• Good time-management skills are important for completing multiple responsibilities within agreed deadlines.
• Applicants should demonstrate a positive and professional approach to workplace learning.
• Candidates should be committed to producing quality work and meeting customer expectations.

The Transnet Young Professional-in-Training – IT/Computer Science programme provides an excellent opportunity for graduates who want to gain practical experience while developing a strong foundation for a career in information technology and computer science. The programme combines structured learning with workplace exposure, allowing successful candidates to develop their professional capabilities in an established corporate environment. Participants will also gain experience in communication, administration, research, project work and stakeholder engagement, all of which are valuable skills in today’s technology-driven workplace.

Although the programme is focused on IT and Computer Science graduates, the role also involves broader workplace responsibilities that help participants develop transferable professional skills. Candidates will interact with customers, suppliers, end users and internal teams while supporting administrative and project-related activities. This exposure can help graduates strengthen their communication, problem-solving, teamwork, organisation and customer service abilities alongside their technical knowledge.

The opportunity is available across Durban, Port Elizabeth, Ngqura and Saldanha, giving successful candidates the chance to gain experience within Transnet Port Terminals. Applicants should carefully consider the listed locations and the expectations of a structured 24-month training programme before applying. The ability to adapt to different workplace situations, participate in learning activities and contribute positively to a team will be important throughout the programme.

Candidates should ensure that they meet the qualification, citizenship, age and experience requirements before submitting an application. Strong written and verbal communication, proficiency in Microsoft Office, attention to detail and problem-solving ability are among the key competencies required. While previous work experience is limited to up to one year, the programme is designed to provide recent graduates with an opportunity to develop practical workplace competence and gain meaningful professional exposure.

Transnet states that preference will be given to suitably qualified applicants who are members of designated groups in line with the Employment Equity Plan and targets of the organisation or operating division. Preference will also be given to Persons With Disabilities. This provides eligible graduates with an opportunity to enter a structured development programme while gaining practical exposure to workplace processes within one of South Africa’s major transport and logistics organisations.

The closing date for applications is 11 September 2026, and it is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that Human Resources has received the application before the deadline. Candidates who are interested in building practical experience in IT, Computer Science and related business functions should submit their applications in good time. The Young Professional-in-Training – IT/Computer Science opportunity can provide a valuable platform for graduates seeking to develop technical and professional skills while gaining experience in a large organisational environment.

Apply here