Bundesinstitut für Berufsbildung (BIBB)

Designation of occupation

Railwayman in operational service/Railwaywoman in operational service
Recognised by ordinance of 15 July 2004 (BGBl. I, p. 1626)

Duration of traineeship

3 years
The venues for training are company and part-time vocational school (Berufsschule).

Field of activity

Railwaymen/railwaywomen in operational service work in rail companies engaged in passenger and goods transport or in the rail infrastructure sector. Working for example as engine drivers or station masters, they are responsible for ensuring the safe and problem-free conveyance of passengers and goods.

Occupational skills

Railwaymen/railwaywomen in operational service carry out complex tasks which require knowledge of railway technology and organisation. They

• marshal and shunt trains
• check the correct operation of carriages and carry out checks on brakes
• supervise operations on the platform
• communicate with customers.

Railwaymen/railwaywomen in operational service specialising in track duties are responsible for the track service. They

• set points and signals
• set and secure tracks
• take measures should deviations from regular operation occur or faults arise.

Railwaymen/railwaywomen in operational service specialising in engine driving or in transportation are responsible for transportation as part of logistics processes. They

• check the functioning of railcars
• operate railcars
• drive trains and carry out shunting manoeuvres.
  

Last modified on: December 12, 2006