Transnet Freight Rail: Trainee Shed Assistant
Transnet Freight Rail is inviting motivated and dedicated individuals to apply for the Trainee Shed Assistant position based in Swartkops, South Africa. This position offers a great chance to receive training and practical experience in locomotive shunting operations.
Reference Number: req2766
Position Details
- Job Title: Trainee Shed Assistant
- Operating Division: Transnet Freight Rail
- Employee Group: Trainee
- Department: OP-COR-EXEC-TCM-Shed Crew Team 1-SWS
- Location: Swartkops, South Africa
- Reporting To: Section Manager: Train Traffic
- Grade: SSTP
- Closing Date: March 25, 2025
Position Purpose
The Trainee Shed Assistant will support the Shedman with locomotive shunting operations, ensuring the safe and effective use of locomotives in the allocated area.
Key Responsibilities
- Maintain a clean and safe fuelling and locomotive area to ensure effective operations.
- Assist with locomotive preparation, allocation, and delivery for training personnel and maintenance people.
- Execute shunting activities in accordance with instructions, and train working norms.
- Ensure safety compliance for locomotives and related equipment in the shedding area.
- Provide hand signal assistance to the Shedman for locomotive positioning.
- Perform housekeeping duties to maintain a tidy work environment
- Detect and report harmful issues on locomotives, rails, and overhead systems.
- Couple and decouple locomotives, including buffers, airbrakes, and jumper cables.
- Inspect and refill locomotives to verify adequate fuel and sand levels.
- Operate points for shunting movements to prevent derailments
- Secure stabled locomotives by applying hand brakes and wheel scotches
- Test auxiliary equipment for proper functionality
Minimum Qualifications & Experience
Education:
- Grade 10 OR 6 years of experience in an Operations environment
Training & Certifications:
- Willingness to finish Shed Assistant training (theoretical and practical) to become an independent Shed Assistant.
Medical & Safety Requirements:
- Must pass medical surveillance and safety behavioral risk assessments (conducted during selection and annually)
- Must meet physical fitness requirements, including hearing, vision, and mental health assessments
Competencies & Skills
Knowledge:
- Yard & siding layout
- Shunting procedures & train working rules
- Locomotive classes & brake systems
- Safety regulations & compliance standards (Act 85/16, RSR, SANS 3004)
- Protective Equipment & Uniform policies
Skills:
- Attention to detail & observation
- Planning & time management
- Interpersonal & communication skills (written & spoken)
- Problem-solving & reasoning abilities
- Numerical skills & psychomotor coordination
Attributes:
- Ability to handle stress and self-manage
- Safety-conscious with strong compliance awareness
- Punctual and willing to work shifts
- Results-driven with a strong work ethic
Employment Equity Statement
Transnet Freight Rail is committed to employment equity. Preference will be given to eligible applicants from certain groups, in accordance with the company’s Employment Equity Plan and Targets.
How to Apply
Application Deadline: March 25, 2025
Interested candidates should submit their applications online
Important Notice: If you do not receive a response within six (6) weeks of the closing date, consider your application failed.
Apply now to start your career in train operations!
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