Transnet: Train Assistant Trainee Programme 2026
About
Transnet: Train Assistant Trainee Programme 2026
Operating Division: Transnet Freight Rail
Employee Group: Trainee
Location: Waterval Boven
Reporting To: Section Manager: Train Traffic
Grade: SSTFT
Reference: req4278
Department: OP-COR-EXEC-TCM-Train Crew B-WTB
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
1.Sign on duty at designated workplace 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
- Sign on duty
- Despatch locomotive
- Assist with starting up of locomotive as prescribed assist with locomotive brake tests.
- Couple locomotive
- 2.Prepare locomotives.
- Check and supplement prescribed equipment.
- Clean working area
- Assist with starting up of locomotives as prescribed.
- Assist with locomotive brake tests.
- Determine which locomotive to be prepared.
- Obtain and place equipment on locomotive.
- 3.Prepare communication equipment.
- Check functionality of communication equipment
- Obtain radio’s/handsets/walkie talkie/telemeters when applicable.
4.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 guard 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.
- 5.Execute shunting activities in sidings and enroute according to directives to enhance safe working procedures.
- Obtain works order.
- Update vehicle list
- Place and clear load/empty trucks at siding
- Perform shunting/placing/removing of trucks as per works order.
6.Assist the train driver enroute to ensure the safe movement of the tarin 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 safe running of train.
- Protect train during incidents.
- Observe proceeding trains patrol locomotives.
- Reset locomotive trip outs.
- Assist Train Driver during emergency circumstances.
8.Provide accurate feedback timeously to the Train Driver regarding any incidents and deviations along the route.
9.Assist in performing various administration duties.
10.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.
About You:
Qualifications, Skills and Experience:
1.EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Grade 12 with pure Mathematics and/ or Physical Science
2.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 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)
3.THE FOLLOWING MINIMUM TRAINEE PRE – REQUISITE:
The candidate should be a minimum of 1.6m tall.
Ability to carry heavy objects.
Psychomotor ability (to be assessed through Vienna Testing System (VTS standards)
4.FUNCTIONAL TRAINING
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
Be prepared to successfully undergo Train Assistant duties (theoretical and practical) so as to be certified to work independently as a Train Assistant
5.OTHER REQUIREMENTS
Physical, hearing, vision, and mental fitness (to be verified through medical tests and related Safety Behavioural Risk Assessment)
Be prepared to undergo periodic medical surveillance and safety behavioural risk assessments during the selection process and every 12 months.
Competencies
KNOWLEDGE:
- 1.Various communications systems
- 2.Depot layout
- 3.Locomotive classes
- 4.Locomotive equipment
- 5.Route/road
- 6.Sections/stations and sidings
- 7.Signing on duty procedures
- 8.Train working rules.
- 9.Trip report
- 10.Yard and siding layout
- 11.Knowledge of general TFR policies
- 12.Shunting procedures
- 13.Locomotive classes and their hauling capacities, constraints on the particular territory
- 14.Health and Safety Act 85
- 15.First Aid
- 16.Basic conditions of Employment Act (BCEA)
- 17.SANS 3004 (Human Factors) 18.HC Policies and procedures
- 19.Train service/ITP
- 20.Training workings
- 21.Substance Abuse policy and procedures
SKILLS REQUIRED: a) Locomotive coupling and uncoupling b) Locomotive preparations (Electrical and Diesel) c) Observation d) Shunting movement e) Train handling skills f) Time management g) Stress handling h) Assessment i) Literacy j) Communication k) Judgement l) Reasoning m) Psychomotor skills(reactions/coordination) n) Concentration o) Observation p) Spatial q) Depth perception psychomotor r) Numerical s) Train /locomotive handling and preparation t) Problem solving u) Electrical; and diesel locomotive driving ATTRIBUTES: 1. Stress handling 2. Self-management 3. Safety conscious 4. Punctual 5. Willing to work shifts. 6. Results orientated.
Equity Statement
Preference will be given to suitably qualified Applicants who are members of the designated groups in line with the Employment Equity Plan and Targets of the Organisation/Operating Division.
Important Note:
This will determine whether you are accepted or not accepted here. Please see the qualification requirements listed above and submit your qualified application about Transnet: Train Assistant Trainee Programme 2026. If within 30 days you have not received a response from the Company, state that you do not meet the qualifications for the job vacancy, and please look for a job vacancy other than this page. Good luck and good luck
Closing Date: Not Specified
Don't miss this opportunity to start your career at Transnet: Train Assistant Trainee Programme 2026!
Interested and qualified candidates can submit their applications via the following registration link.
Location: Komatipoort
Apply Online for the Transnet Train Assistant Trainee Programme
Location: Nelspruit
Apply Online for the Transnet Train Assistant Trainee Programme
Location: Waterval Boven
Apply Online for the Transnet Train Assistant Trainee Programme