Young Professional-in-Training – Communications Opportunity at Transnet Johannesburg

Transnet Corporate Centre is inviting recently qualified graduates to apply for the Young Professional-in-Training – Communications opportunity in Johannesburg, South Africa. The position is part of Transnet’s Youth Development programme and is designed to give young graduates meaningful workplace exposure through a structured 24-month learning programme. Based within the Transnet Corporate Centre, the successful candidate will report to the Specialist: Youth Development and work within a supportive environment focused on professional growth, practical learning and development.

The Young Professional-in-Training – Communications role is suited to candidates who have completed a National Diploma or Degree in Media, Journalism or a related field and are looking to build practical experience in a corporate communications environment. During the two-year programme, participants will be exposed to different working functions within the department through workplace learning, staff shadowing, meetings, workshops and practical assignments. The programme is intended to help young professionals develop their communication, administrative, research, project and problem-solving capabilities while gaining an understanding of workplace expectations.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver specific tasks and assignments within the designated work-stream or department.
• Participate actively in the structured Young Professional-in-Training programme throughout the 24-month period.
• Shadow various staff members to gain practical insight into different functions and responsibilities within the department.
• Participate in workplace learning experiences, meetings, workshops and other developmental activities.
• Gain practical exposure to communication-related activities and departmental functions.
• Communicate with customers to develop a clear understanding of their needs and requirements.
• Establish the level of urgency associated with customer requirements and respond appropriately.
• Keep customers regularly informed about the progress of their 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 the effective operation of the department.
• Conduct research and provide relevant research assistance when required.
• Assist with departmental activities and assigned tasks under appropriate guidance and supervision.
• Execute project work tasks effectively and efficiently.
• Work independently when required while also contributing effectively within a team environment.
• Produce accurate and quality work that can be used as input in developing appropriate project solutions for clients.
• Support project-related activities and contribute to the achievement of departmental deliverables.
• Apply sound communication and organisational skills when dealing with customers, suppliers, end users and colleagues.
• Attend learning and development activities designed to strengthen workplace knowledge and professional competence.
• Gain broader exposure to working functions within the department to develop a well-rounded understanding of corporate communications and related activities.

Requirements and Skills

• A National Diploma or Degree in Media, Journalism or a related field is required.
• Applicants must be South African.
• Candidates must be between 18 and 35 years of age.
• Applicants should have between 0 and 1 year of work-related experience.
• The opportunity is intended for recently qualified graduates who are seeking practical workplace experience.
• Good written communication skills are essential.
• Strong verbal and interpersonal communication abilities 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.
• Strong attention to detail is important when completing administrative, communication, research and project-related tasks.
• Applicants should be able to work effectively as part of a team.
• Problem-solving abilities are required to assist with queries, assignments and project activities.
• Candidates should be organised and able to complete assigned responsibilities accurately and efficiently.
• The ability to communicate professionally with customers, suppliers, end users and internal stakeholders is important.
• Candidates should demonstrate willingness to learn and develop new workplace skills.
• The ability to work independently when required is advantageous.
• Preference will be given to people with disabilities.
• Applicants should be willing to participate fully in a structured two-year learning programme.

The Transnet Young Professional-in-Training – Communications programme offers an important opportunity for young graduates to move from academic study into a professional working environment. Through practical assignments, departmental exposure, staff shadowing and structured learning activities, successful candidates can develop valuable workplace skills while gaining experience in communications and related corporate functions. The role also provides exposure to customer engagement, supplier and end-user queries, research, administration and project work, making it a valuable starting point for graduates building careers in communications and media-related fields.

The programme runs for 24 months and is based at the Transnet Corporate Centre in Johannesburg. Candidates selected for the opportunity will be expected to take part in the learning programme and contribute to departmental deliverables while receiving organisational support and practical workplace exposure. Interested applicants should ensure that their applications are submitted in time, as the closing date is 10 September 2026 and it remains the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that Human Resources receives the application before the deadline.

Transnet also 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. This Young Professional-in-Training opportunity can be particularly valuable for graduates who are eager to strengthen their communication skills, gain corporate experience and develop a foundation for a long-term professional career. Eligible candidates are encouraged to review the requirements carefully and submit a complete application before the closing date.

Apply here: https://transnettalentportal.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home/requisition/5794?c=transnettalentportal