Paid Careers & Internships Roles at Prasa

The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) is a state-owned enterprise responsible for passenger rail services, including Metrorail (commuter rail) and Shosholoza Meyl (long-distance rail). PRASA offers internships, learnerships, and permanent job opportunities across various fields, providing valuable experience in South Africa’s transportation sector.

An internship or career at PRASA offers a fantastic opportunity to gain hands-on experience in one of South Africa’s key public transportation agencies while contributing to meaningful initiatives that enhance rail safety, improve customer service, and promote sustainable mobility. With diverse roles spanning engineering, operations, IT, finance, HR, marketing, logistics, and more, PRASA is an attractive destination for students, graduates, and professionals passionate about public service and infrastructure development.

Popular Internship and Career Roles at PRASA

1. Rail Operations and Management

• Operations Intern : Assists in managing train schedules, coordinating staff, and ensuring smooth daily operations.
• Train Control Officer Trainee : Learns to monitor train movements, manage delays, and ensure safety protocols are followed.
• Station Manager Trainee : Gains hands-on experience in overseeing station operations, customer service, and safety compliance.

2. Engineering and Maintenance

• Mechanical Engineering Intern : Supports the maintenance and repair of locomotives, coaches, and other rail equipment.
• Civil Engineer Trainee : Learns to design, maintain, and upgrade rail infrastructure, including tracks, bridges, and stations.
• Electrical Engineer Trainee : Assists in maintaining electrical systems, signaling equipment, and power supply networks.

3. Safety and Compliance

• Safety Officer Trainee : Gains experience in implementing safety policies, conducting audits, and ensuring compliance with rail safety regulations.
• Risk Management Intern : Assists in identifying and mitigating risks related to rail operations and infrastructure.

4. Information Technology (IT)

• IT Support Intern : Provides technical assistance and resolves hardware/software issues.
• Systems Analyst Trainee : Learns to manage databases and ensure the smooth operation of IT systems used in rail operations.

5. Finance and Administration

• Finance Intern : Assists in financial reporting, budgeting, and accounts payable/receivable processes.
• Administrative Assistant Trainee : Handles general office tasks such as scheduling, filing, and correspondence.

Salaries and Stipends for PRASA Internships and Careers

PRASA internships provide tax-free stipends, reflecting Johannesburg’s cost of living. The stipend for 2025/2026, based on recent data, is approximately:

• All Internship Roles: R6,000–R8,500 per month (approx. R72,000–R102,000 annually).

This range aligns with stipends for similar government internships (e.g., UNISA at R10,077/month, adjusted for PRASA’s context). Stipends include a Sector Regulated Allowance and are consistent across roles for the 12-month duration. Benefits include on-the-job training, mentorship, exposure to rail industry operations, and a collaborative work environment, but typically exclude health insurance or paid leave due to the temporary nature of internships.

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Requirements for PRASA Internships and Careers

Educational Qualifications

Internships: Enrolled in or recently completed a relevant degree or diploma program (e.g., engineering, IT, business, logistics). Strong academic performance is preferred.

Full-Time Roles: A bachelor’s degree or higher in a relevant field is typically required. Advanced degrees or certifications (e.g., professional engineering license, advanced IT certification) may be advantageous for specialized roles.

Experience: No prior work experience required. Applicants must be unemployed and not have participated in a similar internship program. Academic projects or volunteer work are advantageous.

How to Apply for PRASA Internships and Careers

Application Process

1. Visit Official Portals:

   • PRASA Careers Portal: www.prasa.com (navigate to “Careers” or “Vacancies”).