SAQA ID: 97391 Operate a Windows System NQF Level 04 Credits 06

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION
Purpose:
The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a Train Driver.
Train Drivers drive and control different types of trains/motor powered rolling stock (any vehicles that move on a railway for example, locomotives, railroad cars, coaches, and wagons) safely and efficiently in accordance with safety standards in normal and adverse weather conditions, under normal, abnormal and/or degraded conditions to ensure on time arrival at scheduled destinations.

A qualified learner will be able to:
Prepare motor powered rolling stock.
Operate motor powered rolling stock.
Stable and stage motor powered rolling stock.

Rationale:
The South African government has set as a priority of reducing traffic – both freight and passenger services – from road to rail. A move such as this necessitates the timely development of the critical competence of train driving that will make the shift possible and sustainable. Transport systems are closely related to socio-economic changes. The mobility of people, freight and levels of territorial accessibility are at the core of this relationship. Economic opportunities are likely to arise where transportation infrastructures are able to answer mobility needs and insure access to markets and resources.

Rail transport in particular will reduce the volume of road traffic pressures on our roads. When more volumes move by motor powered rolling stock, more jobs will be created as this will ensure expansion.

This qualification was therefore identified as a critical need and developed to meet the needs of the Train Driving discipline. The following constituencies were all involved in its development and agreed that it meet their specific needs Transnet, Transnet Port Terminals, R&H Rail, Transnet Rail and Engineering, Transport Education and Training Authority, Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa Rail, AR + TS, Metrorail, GIJIMA, Transnet Group, BOC, Prasa Rail.

Persons operating within this industry, as well as other transport services, will benefit from this qualification which is instrumental to the development and recognition of the theoretical, practical and work experience competencies needed to render effective and efficient rail transport services. Given the number of Train Driver entering South Africa from neighbouring countries, this qualification is essential to set the benchmark for all Train Driver operating in the country.

The range of typical learners will therefore come from within the rail environment, from other sectors and outside the country. The Train Driver is part of a suit of occupational qualifications that has been developed by the rail sector to provide a learning pathway which includes the Train Control Officer, Train Driver and Functional Yard Operator.