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Trainee Train Assistant Position at Transnet Freight Rail – Worcester, 2025
Transnet Freight Rail, a key division of Transnet SOC Ltd, is offering a Trainee Train Assistant position in Worcester, South Africa. This role provides a unique opportunity to kickstart a career in the railway industry, focusing on supporting train drivers to ensure safe and efficient freight and passenger operations.
Position Details
- Operating Division: Transnet Freight Rail
- Employee Group: Trainee
- Department: OP-COR-EXEC-TCM-Panel 6-WOR
- Location: Worcester, Western Cape
- Reporting To: Depot Manager: Operations
- Grade: SSTFT
- Reference Number: req2827
- Closing Date: 23 April 2025
Position Purpose
The Trainee Train Assistant will assist the Train Driver in the safe and efficient handling of various types of trains/locomotives (airbrake, vacuum, high-speed, heavy-haul, and passenger) to ensure timely delivery of freight/cargo in good condition, meeting customer expectations.
Key Responsibilities
- Sign-On and Duty Allocation: Sign on at the designated workplace, determine which locomotive to prepare, obtain and place equipment, clean the working area, assist with locomotive startup and brake tests, couple the locomotive, and dispatch it.
- Locomotive Preparation: Prepare locomotives by obtaining and placing equipment, checking and supplementing prescribed equipment, cleaning the work area, and assisting with startup and brake tests.
- Communication Equipment: Obtain and verify the functionality of radios, handsets, walkie-talkies, or telemeters as needed.
- Pre-Trip Preparation: Perform pre-trip inspections of locomotives and trains to ensure roadworthiness, including attaching/detaching vehicles, mounting telemeters, completing vehicle lists, mounting train indicators, examining the train, and conducting brake tests with the driver.
- Shunting Activities: Execute shunting in sidings and enroute, including placing/removing trucks as per works orders, updating vehicle lists, and managing load/empty trucks at sidings.
- Enroute Assistance: Support the Train Driver by verbally confirming signal positions, observing proceeding trains, patrolling locomotives, resetting trip-outs, monitoring safe train movement, protecting the train during incidents, and assisting in emergencies.
- Safety Compliance: Adhere to safety standards and instructions to maintain motivation and competence.
- Feedback and Reporting: Provide accurate and timely feedback to the Train Driver about incidents and deviations along the route.
- Administrative Duties: Assist with administrative tasks and complete the train journal for submission to the Section Manager at sign-off after each shift for accurate salary processing.
Qualifications and Experience
- Educational Requirements: Grade 12 with pure Mathematics and/or Physical Science.
- Other Requirements:
- Be at least 21 years old (per SANS 3000, par 6.2.6.8).
- Minimum height of 1.6 meters.
- Ability to carry heavy objects.
- Pass psychomotor ability tests via the Vienna Testing System (VTS).
- Undergo periodic medical surveillance and safety behavioral risk assessments (hearing, vision, mental, and physical fitness) during selection and annually.
Functional Training
- Candidates must successfully complete both theoretical and practical Train Assistant training to be certified to work independently.
Competencies
- Knowledge: Familiarity with railway communication systems, depot layouts, locomotive classes, routes, train working rules, shunting procedures, Health and Safety Act 85, First Aid, Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA), and Transnet policies.
- Skills: Locomotive coupling/uncoupling, preparation, observation, shunting, train handling, time and stress management, problem-solving, and psychomotor skills (reactions/coordination).
- Attributes: Safety-conscious, punctual, self-managed, results-oriented, and willing to work shifts.
Equity Statement
Preference will be given to local applicants and members of designated groups in line with Transnet Freight Rail’s Employment Equity Plan and Targets.
How to Apply
- Submit your application, including a CV and relevant documents, ensuring HR receives it before the closing date of 23 April 2025.
- Apply online via the Transnet Careers Page at www.transnet.net, using the reference number req2827.
- It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure the application is received on time.
Why Join Transnet Freight Rail?
Transnet Freight Rail is South Africa’s leading freight rail operator, offering hands-on training, career growth, and a chance to contribute to the country’s logistics chain. This role in Worcester provides a solid foundation for a rewarding career in rail operations. Apply today to be part of a world-class team!
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