Trainee Train Assistant -Bellville at Transnet Jobs

Transnet · Western Cape · 1w ago

Transnet
Closing 13 Apr 2026

PositionPurpose

  • Assist the Train Driver in the safe and efficient driving/handling of all different types of trains/locomotive consists (airbrake, vacuum, high speed, heavy haul and passengers) to ensure customers' freight/cargo reaches its destination in good condition, on time, to satisfy customers' needs.

Position Outputs

  • Sign on duty at designated workplace and be allocated duties for the shift.
  • Determine which locomotive to prepare.
  • Obtain and place equipment on locomotive.
  • Check and supplement prescribed equipment.
  • Clean working area.
  • Assist with starting up of locomotive as prescribed and assist with locomotive brake tests.
  • Couple locomotive.
  • Sign on duty.
  • Despatch locomotive.

Prepare Locomotives

  • Determine which locomotive to prepare.
  • Obtain and place equipment on locomotive.
  • Check and supplement prescribed equipment.
  • Clean working area.
  • Assist with starting up of locomotives as prescribed.
  • Assist with locomotive brake tests.

Prepare Communication Equipment

  • Obtain radio's/handsets/walkie talkie/telemeters when applicable.
  • Check functionality of communication equipment.
  • Perform pre-trip preparation of the Locomotives and the whole Train prior to departure to adhere to roadworthiness and train working rules and safety standards.
  • Attach/detach vehicles according to works order in absence of guard personnel.
  • Mount telemeters where necessary.
  • Complete vehicle list and vacuum form.
  • Mount train indicators.
  • Examine train.
  • Do brake test in conjunction with train driver.

Execute Shunting Activities

  • Obtain works order.
  • Perform shunting/placing/removing of trucks as per works order.
  • Update vehicle list.
  • Place and clear load/empty trucks at siding.

Assist the Train Driver enroute

  • Verbally compare signal positions and display with train driver.
  • Observe proceeding trains patrol locomotives.
  • Reset locomotive trip outs.
  • Observe safe running of train.
  • Protect train during incidents.
  • Assist Train Driver during emergency circumstances.
  • Comply to safety standards and laid down instructions to ensure competence.
  • Provide accurate feedback timeously to the Train Driver regarding incidents and deviations.
  • Assist in performing various administration duties.
  • Complete the Train journal and submit to the Section Manager at sign-off after every shift to ensure timely and accurate processing of monthly salary.

Qualifications and Experience

  • EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS: Grade 12 with pure Mathematics and/or Physical Science.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

  • Be prepared to undergo periodic medical surveillance and safety behavioral risk assessments during selection and every 12 months.
  • Physical, hearing, vision, and mental fitness to be verified through medical tests and safety behavioral risk assessments.
  • The operator shall not allow employees younger than 21 years of age to undertake Train driver or train control duties (SANS 3000, par 6.2.6.8).
  • The following minimum Trainee pre-requisite:
    • Minimum height of 1.6m.
    • Psychomotor ability to be assessed through Vienna Testing System (VTS) standards.
    • Ability to carry heavy objects.

Functional Training

  • Be prepared to successfully undergo Train Assistant duties theoretical and practical to be certified to work independently as a Train Assistant.
  • Be willing, prepared, and capable to obtain a Train Assistant duties certificate theoretical and practical successfully and be certified to work independently as Train Assistant.

Competencies

  • KNOWLEDGE:
    • Various communications systems.
    • Depot layout.
    • Locomotive classes.
    • Locomotive equipment.
    • Route/road.
    • Sections/stations and sidings.
    • Signing on duty procedures.
    • Train working rules.
    • Trip report.
    • Yard and siding layout.
    • Knowledge of general TFR policies.
    • Shunting procedures.
    • Locomotive classes and their hauling capacities, constraints on the particular territory.
    • Health and Safety Act 85.
    • First Aid.
    • Basic conditions of Employment Act BCEA.
    • SANS 3004 Human Factors.
    • HC Policies and procedures.
    • Train service/ITP.
    • Training workings.
    • Substance Abuse policy and procedures.
  • SKILLS REQUIRED:
    • Locomotive coupling and uncoupling.
    • Locomotive preparations (Electrical and Diesel).
    • Observation.
    • Shunting movement.
    • Train handling skills.
    • Time management.
    • Stress handling.
    • Assessment.
    • Literacy.
    • Communication.
    • Judgement.
    • Reasoning.
    • Psychomotor skills (reactions/coordination).
    • Concentration.
    • Observation.
    • Spatial.
    • Depth perception psychomotor.
    • Numerical.
    • Train/locomotive handling and preparation.
    • Problem solving.
    • Electrical; and diesel locomotive driving.
  • ATTRIBUTES:
    • Stress handling.
    • Self-management.
    • Safety conscious.
    • Punctual.
    • Willing to work shifts.
    • Results orientated.
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Application requirements
  • Z83 application form
  • Comprehensive CV
  • Certified ID copy