Transnet: Train Assistant Trainee Internship Programme 2025

Position Purpose: Assist the Train Driver in the safe and efficient driving/handling of all different types of trains/locomotives 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 customer needs.

Responsibilities:

• Sign on duty at designated workplace and be allocated duties to be performed for the duration of the shift.
• Assist in performing various administration duties.
• Determine which locomotive to be prepared.
• Obtain and place equipment on locomotive.
• Check and supplement prescribed equipment.
• Assist with starting up of locomotive as prescribed assist with locomotive brake tests.
• Couple locomotive 
• 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 guard personnel.
• Mount telemeters where necessary
• Complete vehicle list and vacuum form
• Mount train indicators
• Examine train.
• 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.
• Perform 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 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 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.
• 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.

Requirements:

• Grade 12 with pure Mathematics and/ or Physical Science
• 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
• The candidate should be a minimum of 1.6m tall.
•  Psychomotor ability (to be assessed through Vienna Testing System (VTS standards)
•  Ability to carry heavy objects.
• 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.