Occupational Certificate: Train Control Officer

Purpose

The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a Train Control Officer. A Train Control Officer manages the planning, preparation, communication, and operationalisation for the safe movement of motor-powered rolling stock using different train control systems.

A qualified learner will be able to

• Plan and prepare for the safe movement of motor-powered rolling stock.
• Manage power supply and monitor the movement of motor-powered rolling stock service.

In addition, learner attributes (including problem solving, decision making, interpreting, and communicating information and applying essential methods and techniques) will be integrated in the learning process.

Learners will have to prove competence of the above knowledge, skills, attitudes, responsibilities, and tasks imbedded in the exit level outcomes.

Rationale

The need for this qualification stems from the necessity to revise and update an existing unit standards-based qualification. A safe and efficient rail transport system is of critical importance for the transport sector of an economy. The Train Control Officer plays a pivotal role in terms of the safe movement of motor-powered rolling stock. The upgrading of rolling stock and control systems requires new skills and revised processes and thus the need to revise and replace the existing qualification. In addition, upgraded technology also requires skills at a higher level (thus the move from a NQF Level 4 to an NQF Level 5 qualification).

The rail sector in South Africa is an economic and social enabler as it plays an important role in the transportation of both goods and commuters. The safe rail movement is therefore of critical importance, and this is only possible if there are competent and qualified personnel. This qualification will benefit the Rail sector as it will equip qualifying learners with the ability to perform functions related to administering train control methods and systems for the safe movement on rail.

Typical learners that will benefit from this qualification include existing employees currently serving in the railway system as well as new entrants to the labour market or joining from other occupations with an interest to build a career related to the planning and signalling systems for the safe movement of rolling stock.

This qualification does not form part of a specific learning pathway but will allow learners to progress to the Occupational Certificate: Railway Safety Inspector.

There are no professional registration or international requirements impacting on this qualification. The Department of Transport, African Rail and Traction, Metrorail, Railway Safety Regulator, Shelton (Pty) Ltd, Transnet Freight Rail, Richards Bay Coal Terminal and PRASA Rail were consulted and contributed to the development of the qualification.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

• Learners will gain access to the qualification through RPL for Access as provided for in the QCTO RPL Policy. RPL for access is conducted by accredited education institution, skills development provider or workplace accredited to offer that specific qualification/part qualification.
• Learners who have acquired competencies of the modules of a qualification or part qualification will be credited for modules through RPL.
• 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.

Entry Requirements

• NQF Level 4 qualification with Mathematics and Physical Science.

This qualification is made up of compulsory Knowledge, Practical Skill and Work Experience Modules

Knowledge Modules

• 731202-001-00-KM-01 Train Control Theory, Level 5, 50 Credits.
• 731202-001-00-KM-02 Health, Safety, Quality and Legislation, Level 3, 6 Credits.
• 731202-001-00-KM-03 Environment, Energy Efficiency and Ethics, Level 3, 1 Credit.
• 731202-001-00-KM-04 Business Essentials, Level 3, 1 Credit.
• 731202-001-00-KM-05 Transportation Risk, Level 4, 2 Credits.

Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 60

Practical Skill Modules

• 731202-001-00-PM-01 Plan for and Authorise the Safe Movement of Motor-powered Rolling Stock, Level 5, 8 Credits.
• 731202-001-00-PM-02 Grant and Cancel Occupations (work permits), Level 5, 6 Credits.
• 731202-001-00-PM-03 Control and Monitor Power Supply Indicators, Level 4, 6 Credits.

Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 26

Work Experience Modules

• 731202-001-00-WM-01 Planning and Preparation Processes and Procedures for Motor-Powered Rolling Stock Movement, Level 5, 20 Credits.
• 731202-001-00-WM-02 Processes and Procedures to Monitor and Control the Safe Movement of Motor-Powered Rolling Stock, Level 5, 23 Credits.

Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 43

1. Demonstrate the ability to plan, set up and sanction the safe movement of motor-powered rolling stock by applying standard methods, procedures, and techniques relevant to the control system.
2. Apply skills to manage and control power supply and monitor the movement of motor-powered rolling stock service by monitoring and identifying and evaluating deviations and applying corrective measures relevant to the control system.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

ELO 1: Demonstrate the ability to plan, set up and sanction the safe movement of motor-powered rolling stock by applying standard methods, procedures, and techniques relevant to the control system.

• Identify correct procedures and safety standards for the handover process and the logging of the train register to auxiliary equipment.
• Identify and set up planned route and relevant sidings and platforms that will be affected by the power supply for motor-powered rolling stock movement in accordance with all relevant safety standards.
• Identify and explain the processes and communication requirements for authorisation and granting of occupations (work permits) for the safe movement of motor-powered rolling stock correctly.
• Identify and explain processes for the cancellation and recording of occupation (work permit) documents.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

ELO 2: Apply skills to manage and control power supply and monitor the movement of motor-powered rolling stock service by monitoring and identifying and evaluating deviations and applying corrective measures relevant to the control system.

• Control the safe passage of motor-powered rolling stock through the on and off switching of isolating and earthing switches following all safety precautions in accordance with high voltage instruction.
• Monitor the progress of the occupation (work permit), evaluate deviations and identify, update and report on corrective measures in accordance with safety standards.
• Monitor and interpret the power supply indicators and address deviations according to relevant policies and procedures and high voltage instruction.

Integrated Assessment

Integrated Assessment Formative Assessment

The skills development provider will use the curriculum to guide them on the stipulated internal assessment criteria and weighting. They will also apply the scope of practical skills and applied knowledge as stipulated by the internal assessment criteria. This formative assessment together with work experience leads to entrance in the integrated external summative assessment.

Integrated Assessment Summative Assessment

An External Integrated Summative Assessment, conducted through the relevant QCTO Assessment Quality Partner is required for the issuing of this qualification. The External Integrated Summative Assessment will focus on the exit level outcomes and associated assessment criteria.

An external integrated summative assessment conducted through the relevant QCTO Assessment Quality partner is required for the issuing of this qualification. The external integrated summative assessment will focus on the exit level outcomes and associated assessment criteria. The external assessment will be conducted through a combination of a written assessment and practical task at an accredited assessment centre. The written examination will be concluded at the registered assessment centre and marked by registered assessors. Practical tasks will also be assessed by registered assessors. The combination of the written and practical assessment will take place over a maximum of 2 working days.