Trainee Train Assistant- Caledon at Transnet

Position Purpose

• 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.  Determine which locomotive to be prepared  Obtain and place equipment on locomotive  Check and supplement prescribed equipment  Clean working area  Assist with starting up of locomotive as prescribed assist with locomotive brake tests  Couple locomotive  Sign on duty  Despatch locomotive 
• Prepare locomotives  Determine which locomotive to be prepared  Obtain and place equipment on locomotive  Check and supplement prescribed equipment  Clean working area  Assist with starting up of locomotive as prescribed  Assist with locomotive brake tests 
• Prepare communication equipment  Obtain radio’s/handsets/walkie talkie/telemeters when applicable  Check functionality of 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  Attach/detach vehicles according to works order in absence of yard personnel i. Mount telemeters where necessary ii. Complete vehicle list and vacuum form iii. Mount train indicators iv. Examine train v. Do brake test in conjunction with train driver 
• Execute shunting activities in sidings and enroute according to directives to enhance safe working procedures.  Obtain works order  Performa 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 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.  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 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 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 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 1.6m tall. 
• Psychomotor ability (to be assessed through Vienna Testing System (VTS) standard). 
• Ability to carry heavy objects.

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. 
• 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. 

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:  

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