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Transnet Freight Rail invites South African unemployed graduates to apply for Train Assistant Traineeship Programme 2025.

Operating Division: Transnet Freight Rail
Employee Group: Trainee
Department: OP-COR-OEXEC-TCM Panel 6-BFU
Location: Beaufort West
Reporting To: Section Manager: Train Traffic
Grade: SSTFT
Reference: req2758

Position Purpose:

Assist the Train Driver in the safe and efficient driving/handling of various types of trains/locomotives (airbrake, vacuum, high-speed, heavy haul, and passengers) to ensure that the customers’ freight/cargo reaches its destination in good condition, on time, meeting customer needs.

Key Responsibilities:

• Pre-Trip Preparation & Duties:
  • Sign on duty at the designated workplace and be allocated duties for the shift.
  • Determine which locomotive to prepare, obtain and place necessary equipment, and ensure the working area is clean.
  • Assist with the start-up of locomotives, brake tests, and coupling of locomotives.
  • Ensure proper functioning of communication equipment such as radios, handsets, or walkie-talkies.
  • Perform pre-trip checks to ensure roadworthiness, adherence to safety rules, and preparation for departure (e.g., attach/detach vehicles, mount telemeters, complete vehicle lists).
• Shunting and Train Handling:
  • Execute shunting activities according to directives to ensure safe working procedures.
  • Perform tasks such as placing/removing trucks and updating vehicle lists.
  • Assist with the safe movement of the train from the starting point to the destination, ensuring no delays or damage to equipment.
  • Observe signals and verbal comparisons with the Train Driver, patrol locomotives, and reset trip-outs.
• Safety and Incident Management:
  • Protect the train during incidents and assist the Train Driver during emergencies.
  • Ensure compliance with safety standards and report any deviations or incidents along the route.
• Administration:
  • Complete the train journal and submit it to the Section Manager for timeous and accurate salary processing.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Educational Requirements:
  • Grade 12 with Pure Mathematics and/or Physical Science.
• Other Requirements:
  • Physical Requirements: Minimum height of 1.6m. Physically fit (verified through medical tests) and ability to carry heavy objects.
  • Psychomotor Skills: To be assessed through Vienna Testing System (VTS).
  • Medical and Safety Assessment: Periodic medical surveillance, safety behavioral risk assessments, hearing, vision, mental fitness (to be verified through tests).
• Functional Training:
  • Be willing to undergo Train Assistant duties training (theoretical and practical) to work independently as a certified Train Assistant.
• Age Requirement: Candidates under the age of 21 are not eligible to undertake Train Driver or Train Control duties.

Competencies:

• Knowledge:
  • Communication systems, depot layout, locomotive classes and equipment, train working rules, shunting procedures, and safety policies.
  • Understanding of TFR policies, first aid, the Health and Safety Act, the Basic Conditions of Employment Act, and SANS 3004 (Human Factors).
• Skills:
  • Locomotive coupling and uncoupling, locomotive preparations (electrical and diesel), shunting movement, and train handling skills.
  • Strong time management, stress handling, literacy, communication, and reasoning skills.
  • Ability to solve problems, handle electrical and diesel locomotives, and make sound judgments.

Equity Statement:

Preference will be given to suitably qualified applicants from designated groups in line with the Employment Equity Plan and Targets of Transnet Freight Rail.

How to Apply:

Ensure your application is submitted before the closing date. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure HR receives the application on time.

For more details, please check the Transnet Freight Rail careers page.

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