What is a Diesel Electrical Fitter? 

Diesel Electrical Fitters can work in train yards, power stations and in private homes. 

In a train yard, a Diesel Electrical Fitter’s main job is to install, maintain and repair wiring on diesel locomotives. 

Diesel Electrical Fitters use very technical equipment and hand tools. 

What does a Diesel Electrical Fitter do?

• maintains and repair diesel locomotives
• sticks strictly to safety regulations
• keeps records

Are you  . . . ?

• passionate about trains?
• responsible and reliable?
• safety conscious?
• able to work in cramped and dirty spaces?
• a person who pays attention to detail?
• a problem solver?
• good with your hands?
• physically fit and strong?

How do I become a Diesel Electrical Fitter?

TETA suggest that you begin your career by completing a:

National Certificate: Diesel Electrical Fitter NQF 2

Requirements:

• 16 years old
• Grade 10 with Mathematics or
• Grade 10 without Maths but at least Maths on the N1 or
• N1 which includes Mathematics as well as a technical trade or
• NCV Level 2

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. 
• CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions. 

• TETA

http://www.teta.org.za/inner.aspx?section=2&page=17

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Railway Signaller … or … Cable Jointer

Is becoming a Diesel Electrical Fitter right career choice for me?

What is a Train Control Officer? 

The main job of a Train Control Officer is to make sure trains run on the right tracks. 

What does a Train Control Officer do?

• record arrival & departure times of trains
• make sure trains run on allocated tracks

Smaller stations might require Train Control Officers to:

• sell tickets
• store small parcels
• customer service

Are you . . . ?

• responsible?
• punctual?
• dependable?
• passionate about trains?
• a good record keeper?
• organised?

How do I become a Train Control Officer? 

TETA suggest that you complete a:

National Certificate: Rail Operations – Train Control Officer NQF Level 4

Requirements:

• Grade 12 with English, Maths and Physical Science

• PRASA

http://www.prasa.com/

• TETA

http://www.teta.org.za/

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Functional Yard Operator or Aircraft Baggage Handler

Is becoming a Train Control Officer right career choice for me?

See below for more info.

OFO No: 731101

What is a Train Driver?

Train Drivers operate both electronic or diesel trains.

There are two kinds of Train Drivers:

• (1) Freight (Goods) Train Drivers
• (2) Commuter (Passenger) Train Drivers

(1) Freight Train Drivers

What does a Freight Train Driver do?

• prepares the train for service
• operates and regulates the train under strict safety regulations
• inspects train loads
• tests the braking system often
• uses and obeys the signals and communication rules when driving the train
• keeps to strict deadlines (departures and arrivals)

How do I become a Freight Train Driver?

National Diploma for Train Driver (Freight Logistics) (NQF Level 5)

Requirements:

• An FETC 4 qualification inclusive of Maths and/or Physical Science

• TRANSNET FREIGH RAIL

http://www.transnetfreightrail-tfr.net/Pages/default.aspx

(2) Commuter Train Drivers

What does a Commuter Train Driver do?

• transports passengers
• inspects their trains
• repairs minor problems
• reports major defects
• uses computers for navigation and safety
• works a variety of hours due to the train schedules
• obeys train signals and communication lines
• works on a defined, regular route
• carries out shunting (changing lanes)
  

How do I become a Commuter Train Driver?

National Diploma for Train Drivers (Commuter/Passenger) (NQF Level 4)

Requirements:

• Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 3
• Communication at NQF Level 3

A Train Commuter Driver usually wors for organisations like Metrorail, Rovos Rail, Gautrain, Shosholoza Meyl or on the mines.

• PRASA

http://www.prasa.com/

Are you … (for both Freight & Commuter Train Drivers)?

• a train driver at heart?
• willing to work unusual hours?
• willing to work locally or nationally?
• responsible?
• detail orientated?
• organised?
• physically fit and healthy?
• able to make quick, responsible decisions?
• a person with good eyesight?
• able to work long hours?

More information on becoming a Train Driver:

TRANSNET is the main employer and you can go here to apply for jobs as well as training opportunities. The system is quite complicated so we suggest you download their USER GUIDE HERE:

http://www.transnet.net/Career/UserGuide/UserGuide.pdf

It tells you how to use this page:

http://www.transnet.net/Career/Pages/Career.aspx

Requirements:

Learners who want to complete the Diploma in Train Driving will have an FETC 4 qualification with Maths and/or Science.

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Tour Bus Driver or Aircraft Loader 

Is becoming a Train Driver the right career choice for me?

20-03-2015 – Posted on Facebook

What is a Railway Signaller?

A Railway Signaller is also known as a Signalman. A Railway Signaller has the very responsible job of making sure that trains arrive safely and on time, without disruptions. 

What does a Railway Signaller do? 

(1) National Certificate: Railway Signalling NQF 2

• perform the assembly and wiring of railway signalling equipment
• apply regular quality checks on the signalling equipment
• keep up to date with health & safety regulations

(2) National Certificate: Railway Signalling NQF 3

• plan and prepare installation and maintenance of signalling equipment
• communicate tasks and responsibilities to the work team
• install signalling equipment safely and according to specifications
• perform regular maintenance
• always understand and apply all safety measures (before, during & after)

(3) National Certificate: Railway Signalling NQF 4

• plan & prepare the execution of fault finding and repair tasks
• perform repair tasks safely and according to engineering specifications
• apply safety measures (before, during & after)

Are you . . . ?

• interested in railways?
• responsible and reliable?
• a person with good eyesight?
• a person who can focus on what they are doing?
• a person who obeys rules and regulations?
• safety conscious?
• able to handle pressure?

How do I become a Railway Signaller?

TETA suggests the following:

(1) National Certificate: Railway Signalling NQF 2

Requirements:

• First, you will have to have a General Education and completed a Training Certificate NQF Level 1 including Mathematics or equivalent.

(2) National Certificate: Railway Signalling NQF 3

Requirements:

• knowledge and abilities to use engineering hand and power tools
• knowledge of electrical wiring techniques
• knowledge and ability to solder electrical conductors & components
• have an understanding of health & safety in working environment
• knowledge and ability to perform first-aid and fire fighting
• knowledge and understanding of railway signalling principles
• knowledge of assembly of railway signalling equipment
• knowledge of electrical wiring of railway signalling equipment etc

(3) National Certificate: Railway Signalling NQF 4

Requirements:

• knowledge of mechanical signalling
• knowledge of company rules and regulations when performing maintenance
• knowledge of train working rules
• be able to perform maintenance on a bank of batteries
• be able to join electrical signal cables
• be able to install an apparatus case
• be able to install an electrical railway signal
• be able to install a track circuit and electrical points
• be able to perform preventative maintenance on an apparatus case, colour signals and railway track circuits.

These can be done through School of Rail.

• SCHOOL OF RAIL

http://www.transnetfreightrail-tfr.net/SS/HC/Pages/School-of-Rail-.aspx

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Train Driver or Air Traffic Controller

Is becoming a Railway Signaller right career choice for me?

See below for more info.

What is a Functional Yard Operator? 

The main job of a Functional Yard Operator is to control the shunting of trains. They also receive and dispatch trains from the yard using specialised equipment. 

What does a Functional Yard Operator do?

• control shunting of trains
• receive trains
• dispatch trains

Are you . . . ?

• interested in working with trains?
• responsible?
• reliable?
• organised?
• safety conscious?
• a team player?

How do I become a Functional Yard Operator? 

TETA suggests the following: 

National Certificate: Rail Operation – Functional Operations NQF 3

Requirements:

• Grade 8 with English

• PRASA

http://www.prasa.com/

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Train Driver or Rigger

Is becoming a Functional Yard Operator right career choice for me?

See below for more info.