Trainee Train Assistant – Transnet Freight Rail (Bellville, South Africa) 2026

Reference: req4657

Location: Bellville

Closing Date: 03 April 2026

Posted on: 24 March 2026

Position Details

Operating Division: Transnet Freight Rail
Employee Group: Trainee
Department: OP-COR-EXEC-TCM-O/side Panel 2-BLE
Reporting To: Section Manager: Train Traffic
Grade: SSTFT

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.

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Position Outputs

Sign on duty and preparation
- Sign on duty at designated workplace and be allocated duties for 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
- Assist with locomotive brake tests
- Couple locomotive
- 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 locomotives
- Assist with locomotive brake tests
Prepare communication equipment
- Obtain radios/handsets/walkie talkie/telemeters
- Check functionality of communication equipment
Pre-trip preparation
- Perform preparation of locomotives and train before departure
- Attach/detach vehicles according to works order
- Mount telemeters where necessary
- Complete vehicle list and vacuum form
- Mount train indicators
- Examine train
- Perform brake test with Train Driver
Shunting activities
- Obtain works order
- Perform shunting/placing/removing of trucks
- Update vehicle list
- Place and clear load/empty trucks
Assist Train Driver enroute
- Compare signal positions with Train Driver
- Observe proceeding trains
- Reset locomotive trip outs
- Observe safe running of train
- Protect train during incidents
- Assist during emergencies
Comply with safety standards
Provide accurate feedback to Train Driver
Assist with administration duties
Complete train journal and submit after each shift

Qualifications and Experience

Educational Requirements

Grade 12 with Pure Mathematics and/or Physical Science

Other Requirements

Undergo medical surveillance and safety risk assessments
Physical fitness (hearing, vision, mental fitness)
Minimum age requirement (not younger than 21 years)

Minimum Trainee Requirements

Minimum height: 1.6m
Psychomotor ability (Vienna Testing System)
Ability to carry heavy objects

Functional Training

Complete theoretical and practical Train Assistant training
Obtain certification to work independently

Additional Requirements

Periodic medical and safety assessments
Physical, hearing, vision, and mental fitness

Competencies

Knowledge

Communication systems
Depot and yard layout
Locomotive classes and equipment
Routes, stations, and sidings
Train working rules
Shunting procedures
Health and Safety Act 85
First Aid
Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA)
SANS 3004 (Human Factors)
TFR policies and procedures
Substance abuse policies

Skills Required

Locomotive coupling and uncoupling
Locomotive preparation (Electrical and Diesel)
Observation and concentration
Shunting movement
Train handling
Time management
Stress handling
Communication and literacy
Judgement and reasoning
Psychomotor coordination
Numerical skills
Problem solving

Attributes

Stress handling
Self-management
Safety conscious
Punctual
Willing to work shifts
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.