Shunter

The yard official or shunter controls the shunting movements of passenger coaches and goods wagons, using hand signals and radio communications.

• Connecting wagons to the correct train and forwarding it to its destination.



• Ensuring the wagons are properly coupled to each other and that the train has sufficient braking force for the proposed journey.



• Notifying the train driver of the shunting programme.



• Checking temperature of mechanically-refrigerated wagons and ensuring that cooling units of wagons work properly while waiting for a connecting train.

Requirements
 
Secondary Education
Possession of at least a Grade 8 certificate, or equivalent qualification. A higher qualification is, however, preferred.
 
Tertiary Education
No formal tertiary training is provided in this regard. Candidates receive a six-week theoretical training course at TransNamib College as well as five-weeks practical training by working in a team with qualified persons.

Candidates are tested after completion of the theoretical training period and a pass mark of 80% is expected. They must also complete a practical examination.

After successful completion of both theoretical and practical tests a certificate is issued.
 
The career path of a shunter is as follows:

• Shunter, Leading shunter, Foreman shunter,


• Trains operating inspector, Trains operating supervisor