Railway Signal Operator (Functional Yard Operator)

The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a Railway Signal Operator (Functional Yard Operator) The Functional Yard Operator controls the movement of motor powered rolling stock, assembles and disassembles motor powered rolling stock in and out of the shunting yard. A qualified learner will be able to: • Shunting activities for different motor powered rolling stock authorised and control points manned. • Motor powered rolling stock compiled, admitted and dispatched safely. • Motor powered rolling stock placed and cleared at sidings according to specified safety procedures.

The South African government has set as a priority the shifting of as much traffic as possible - 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, Railway Signal Operators and train control officers that will make the shift possible and sustainable. Transport systems are closely related to socio-economic changes. The mobility of people and 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 ensures expansion. This qualification was therefore identified as a critical need and developed to meet the needs of the rail industry for Railway Signal Operator. The following constituencies were all involved in its development and agreed that it meets their specific needs Transnet, Transnet Port Terminals, R&H Rail, Transnet Rail & Engineering, TETA, Prasa 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 Railway Signal Operators entering South Africa from neighbouring countries, this qualification is essential to set the benchmark in the country. The range of typical learners will therefore come from within the rail environment, from other sectors and outside the country. The Railway Signal Operator 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 Railway Signal Operator.

Recognition of Prior Learning: RPL for access to the external integrated summative assessment: Accredited providers and approved workplaces must apply the internal assessment criteria specified in the related curriculum document to establish and confirm prior learning. Accredited providers and workplaces must confirm prior learning by issuing a statement of result or certifying a work experience record. RPL for access to the qualification Accredited providers and approved workplaces may recognise prior learning against the relevant access requirements. Entry Requirements: • NQF Level 3 qualification with Mathematical Literacy.

• The ability to authorise shunting activities for different motor powered rolling stock and manning of control points.
• The ability to compile, admit and dispatch motor powered rolling stock safely.
• The ability to place and clear motor powered rolling stock at sidings according to specified safety procedures.