South Africa’s state-owned rail operator, Transnet, has introduced a comprehensive apprenticeship program aimed at addressing labor shortages in the rail freight sector. This initiative will train young South Africans in rail operations, focusing on critical areas such as engineering, logistics, and maintenance.
With the country facing a shortage of skilled railway workers, Transnet’s program is expected to create over 1,000 new jobs within the next five years. Graduates from the program will help fill roles in freight handling and railway maintenance, which are crucial to supporting South Africa’s growing logistics demands.
This program is part of a broader strategy to modernize South Africa’s rail infrastructure and make it a competitive option for freight transport across the continent.