Transnet Engineering has launched a countrywide career development campaign aimed at equipping unemployed youth with the tools to access meaningful opportunities in South Africa’s rail and engineering sectors.
The National Career Day initiative, currently being implemented across multiple Transnet Engineering sites, forms part of the company’s strategic investment in youth development under the theme “Skills for a Changing World – Empowering Youth for Meaningful Economic Participation.”
Through interactive expos and workshops, the programme introduces young people to the technical and entrepreneurial possibilities within the rail industry, while also providing practical guidance on employment and procurement processes within Transnet.
Zodwa Mashishi, Executive Manager for Corporate Affairs at Transnet Engineering, noted that the campaign reflects the organisation’s broader commitment to national development:
“We recognise the critical role we play in supporting youth development. This initiative is not just about skills awareness, but about creating accessible pathways into industries that are vital to South Africa’s economy.”
Recent events in Bloemfontein, Pretoria, Germiston and Uitenhage featured a range of activations, from demonstrations by engineering teams to procurement engagement sessions with local suppliers. Further sessions are scheduled in Durban and Cape Town, with special attention given to township entrepreneurs and unemployed graduates.
Attendees were introduced to opportunities in areas such as technical apprenticeships, enterprise development, and leasing of underutilised Transnet properties, many of which could be repurposed for SMME hubs.
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One of the key innovations of the programme is its digital-first approach. Participants were shown how to access applications and key information directly via their mobile phones, eliminating common barriers to entry.
“You don’t need data-heavy portals or intermediaries. We want the youth to be self-reliant and digitally confident,” said Mashishi.
A young participant in Germiston described the event as “a wake-up call,” explaining that many youth feel isolated and uninformed about available opportunities. “Today we learned how to take action ourselves. That alone changes everything.”
Transnet Engineering, the engineering division of Transnet SOC Ltd, operates six manufacturing plants and 143 maintenance depots nationally. The company plays a pivotal role in South Africa’s transport infrastructure and continues to lead efforts in developing local engineering talent.
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