Trainee Train Assistant - BFU at Transnet

• 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 that the customers freight/cargo reaches its destination in good condition, on time, in order to enable the organisation to satisfy the customers’ needs.

Position outputs:

• Sign on duty at designated work place and be allocated duties to be performed for the duration of the shift
• Prepare locomotives
• Prepare communication equipment
• Performs the pre-trip preparation of the Locomotives and the whole Train prior the departure to adhere to roadworthiness and train working rules and safety standards
• Execute shunting activities in sidings and enroute according to directives to enhance safe working procedures
• Assist the train driver enroute to ensure the safe movement of the train from a required point to the destination, without delays or damage to locomotives, wagons, infrastructure track and other equipment, to ensure predictable service
• Comply to safety standards and laid down instruction to ensure that he is well motivated and competent
• Provide accurate feedback timeously to the Train Driver regarding any incidents and deviations along the route
• Assist in performing various administration duties
• Complete the Train journal and submit to the Section manager at sign-off after every shift to ensure timeous and accurate processing of monthly salary

Qualifications & Experience:
Educational Requirements

• Grade 12 with pure Mathematics and/or Physical Science

Functional Training

• Be prepared to successfully undergo Train Assistant duties (theoretical and practical) so as to be certified to work independently as a Train Assistant.

Other Requirements

• Be prepared to undergo periodic medical surveillance and safety behavioral risk assessments during the selection process and every 12 months
• Physical hearing, vision, mental, fitness (to be verified through medical tests and related safety behavioural 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:

• The candidate should be a minimum of 1.6 meters tall
• Psychomotor ability (to be assessed through Vienna Testing System (VTS) standard)
• Ability to carry heavy objects

Competencies:
Knowledge

• Various communication 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
• Train workings
• Substance Abuse policy and procedures

Skills

• Locomotive coupling and uncoupling
• Locomotive preparation (Electrical and Diesel)
• Locomotive Stabling
• 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 shift
• Results orientated