Transnet Trainee Shed Assistant Vacancy 2026

Opportunity Overview

Transnet Freight Rail is offering an opportunity for individuals to join their team as a Trainee Shed Assistant. This role is based in Beaconsfield and is crucial for maintaining safe and effective locomotive operations within a specified area.

As a Trainee Shed Assistant, you will learn and assist with various tasks related to locomotive shunting, preparation, and maintenance activities. This position is a great entry point into the operational environment of South Africa's rail network.

Minimum Requirements

To be considered for this trainee opportunity, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Education: Grade 10 or 6 years of experience in an Operations environment.
• Training: Be prepared to successfully complete Shed Assistant theoretical and practical training to become certified.
• Health: Be prepared to undergo periodic medical surveillance and safety behavioural risk assessments during selection and every 12 months. This includes physical hearing, vision, mental, and fitness tests.

Key Responsibilities

As a Trainee Shed Assistant, you will assist the Shedman with various tasks, including:

• Ensuring locomotives and the fuelling area are clean and safe for shunting.
• Assisting with the preparation, allocation, and delivery of locomotives to train personnel and maintenance staff.
• Executing shunting activities according to instructions and laid down rules.
• Assisting in maintaining the safety of locomotives and related equipment in the shedding area.
• Placing locomotives by operating hand signals where applicable.
• Carrying out good housekeeping in the working area, on locomotives, and with tools/equipment.
• Ensuring a safe working environment and identifying unsafe conditions on locomotives, tracks, and overhead lines.
• Coupling and uncoupling locomotives by managing buffers, airbrakes, and jumper cables.
• Inspecting fuel levels and refuelling locomotives with diesel and sand.
• Operating points for locomotive shunting movements to prevent derailment.
• Safeguarding stabled locomotives by applying handbrakes and placing scotches under wheels.
• Testing auxiliary equipment.

How to Apply

To apply for the Trainee Shed Assistant position at Transnet, please follow these steps:

• Visit the Transnet talent portal: https://transnettalentportal.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/requisition/5271/application?c=transnettalentportal&jobboardid=0#1
• Follow the instructions on the portal to complete your application.
• Ensure your application is submitted before the closing date.