Trainee Shed Assistant

• Operating Division: Transnet Freight Rail
• Employee Group: Trainee
• Department: OP-COR-EXEC-TCM-Inside B-NSE
• Location: Nsese
• Reporting To: Section Manager: Train Traffic
• Grade: SSTP
• Reference: req4382

The closing date is on 26/02/2026. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that HR has received the application before the closing date of the advertisement.

To assist the Shedman with the shunting movements of locomotives within a specified locomotive area in order to contribute to a safe and effective locomotive utilisation.

• Ensure that the locomotives and fuelling area are clean and safe to perform shunting movements so as to contribute to effective locomotive utilisation.
• Assist the Shedman in the preparation, allocation and delivery of locomotives to train personnel and to locomotive maintenance staff according to train and maintenance plans to ensure availability of roadworthy locomotives.
• Execute shunting activities of the locomotives according to the Shedman's instructions and laid down instructions and train working rules.
• Assist the Shedman in the safety of the locomotives and other related equipment within the shedding area according to the safety standards and train working rules.
• Assist the Shedman with placing of the locomotives by operating hand signals where applicable.
• Carry out good housekeeping to ensure the working area, locomotives and other tools/equipment are kept clean and tidy after all work has been completed according to the operational plan and safety procedures.
• Ensure safe working environment - ensure that all working activities take place according to relevant legislation and compliance procedures and policies - identify unsafe conditions on locomotives, track and overhead.
• Couple locomotives accordingly by opening and coupling of buffers, coupling air brakes and jumper cables.
• Uncouple locomotives by ensuring that air cocks are closed and air pipes, jumper cables and buffers are uncoupled too.
• Inspect the fuel level and fuel the locomotive(s) to ensure that there is enough fuel and ensure diesel locomotives are sufficiently filled with fuel and sand.
• Effectively operate points for locomotive shunting movements (according to SWP) to ensure that the point blade is against the stock rail or opened in line of the locomotive direction to prevent derailment.
• Safeguard the stabled locomotive - apply the hand brake, place scotches underneath the wheels according to SWP and prevent runaway of locomotives.
• Test the auxiliary equipment.

• Educational Requirement:
  • Grade 10 and orb) 6yrs in the Operations environment.
• Functional Training:
  • Be prepared to successfully undergo shed Assistant training duties (theoretical and practical) so as to be certified to work independently as a Shed Assistant.
• Other Requirements:
  • Be prepared to undergo periodic medical surveillance and safety behavioural risk assessments during the selection process and every 12 months.
  • Physical hearing, vision, mental fitness (to be verified through medical tests and related safety behavioural risk assessments).

• Knowledge:
  • Yard and siding layout
  • Breakdowns/section work
  • Road / Route knowledge
  • Shunting procedures
  • Locomotive classes
  • Wagon types
  • Integrated Train Plan
  • Brake systems
  • Train workings
  • Vehicle Management policy
  • Protective Equipment
  • Uniform clothing policy
  • Act 85 / 16 RSR related legislation
  • SANS 3004 (human factor)
  • Be aware of internal HC policies
  • Substance Abuse policy and procedures
• Skills:
  • Attention to detail
  • Planning and Organising
  • Time management
  • Interpersonal skills
  • English Literacy
  • Communication (written and spoken)
  • Judgement
  • Reasoning
  • Numerical / Ability to Calculate
  • Observation
  • Psychomotor skills (reactions/coordination)
  • Depth perception psychomotor
• Attributes:
  • Stress handling
  • Self-management
  • Safety conscious
  • Punctual
  • Willing to work shifts
  • Results orientated

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.

If you have not heard from Transnet within 90 days, please consider your application as unsuccessful.

Transnet, its employees or representatives never ask for a fee from job seekers. Any such requests are fraudulent. Please report any suspicious activities in this regard to the Transnet anti-fraud line on or email .