Where Can I Study Train Driving In South Africa
Train drivers drive freight and passenger trains along the national rail network.
Where Can I Study Train Driving In South Africa?
Below are the train driving schools in South Africa
HRETD Train Driving
SAFLOG Train Driving School
Transnet School Of Rail
How to Become A Train Driver South Africa
Two types of trains require skilled and experienced drivers. Freight trains deliver goods while commuter trains transport passengers.
Train drivers, especially those who steer commuter trains have a major responsibility to their communities, as the lives of commuters are placed in their hands on a daily basis. For this reason, drivers must be physically fit and healthy and able to make quick, responsible decisions.
Both sets of drivers must be willing to work long and unusual hours on local or national routes.
How Do I Get Qualified?
To become a qualified driver students must possess a National Diploma for Train Drivers (NQF Level 5) or similar qualification.
The minimum entry requirements for a train driver course may differ depending on your chosen training programme . However, a matric certificate with Mathematics, English and/or Science is the standard requirement.
Training programmes can be completed at Transnet’s Freight Rail School. The school has campuses situated in Kempton Park, Kimberley, Bloemfontein, Wentworth, Bellville, Pretoria, Germiston and Port Elizabeth.
These centers all offer Railway Operations Training, Railway Signaling, Permanent Way Construction and Maintenance, Permanent Way Welding, Railway Maintenance and Railway Engineering & Safety Training, as well as many other rail-related training interventions. This is done in partnership and collaboration with local and international universities and service providers.
Operations Training specializes in the training of Train Drivers and Train Control Officers. Courses are based on theoretical and some practical training in compliance with unit standards registered with South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).
Where Can I Train?
Training opportunities are advertised sporadically in the local and national newspapers. Interested parties should submit an application letter accompanied by a CV, certified ID copy and Matric certificate addressed to the respective HR manager as advertised.
Once the qualification has been obtained qualified drivers can find employment opportunities at Metrorail, Rovos Rail, Gautrain or Shosholoza Meyl.
What qualifications do I need for a train driver?
You do not need specific qualifications to become a train driver. You can join a company as an apprentice or trainee – your employer will usually provide the appropriate training. If your initial application is successful, you will be invited to an assessment centre for tests and an interview.
How many years does it take to become a train driver in South Africa?
Typically it takes between nine and 12 months to become a qualified train driver.
How much training does a train driver need?
Before you can begin working as a fully-fledged Train Driver, you will need to complete a rigorous, 12-month training program that includes classroom learning, on-the-job training as well as a significant amount of home study and exams.
Is there an age limit for train drivers in South Africa ?
Technically, there is no maximum train driver age limit for driving provided you continue to pass the medicals. If you are starting as a Conductor the minimum age on entry is 18 because it is a safety critical job and you will be handling cash.
Is train driving hard?
Although he wouldn’t describe train driving as easy, he admits it’s a lot less stressful than his old job, where 12-hour shifts could become even longer depending on the situation he was called out to. Train driving is quite peaceful, as long as you don’t encounter any issues!
Do you need an engineering degree to drive a train?
Rail companies typically require a high school diploma or equivalent, especially for locomotive engineers and conductors. Locomotive engineers generally receive 2 to 3 months of on-the-job training before they can operate a train on their own.
Is train driving stressful?
Train drivers can experience extreme mental stress on the job. Train drivers have the toughest job in the country, according to the data, with 1025 claims made per 100 million hours worked – about 26 times more than the average job for males.
Do you get paid while training to be a train driver?
Yes, drivers are employed while they are training and get paid the entry salary for that operator. The training schemes normally last between nine and 18 months. London Underground’s training course lasts for 22 weeks.