HERTITAGE RAILWAY TRAINING STRATEGY

LOCOMOTIVE STEAM DRIVER

This document is used by the Training Manager at each of the member ATHRA Heritage Railways as a Guide to the administration of the Off and On Job Training.

LEARNER PROFILE
Target learner / This qualification is intended for Heritage Railway employees and/or volunteers who are required to drive a steam locomotive on a heritage railway.
Prior training or employment needed / The trainee(s) must hold the following pre-requisites before commencing this training course:
  • Category 2 medical
  • Assessed competent to conducting shunting activities
  • Applicable safeworking rules and regulations.
  • Qualified as a Steam Locomotive Fireman
Evidence that the trainee holds all of the above pre-requisites is mandatory.
The training and assessment of competence cannot commence until this evidence is produced and verified.
ATHRA Steam Locomotive Driver Learning Pathway / The ATHRA approved Learning pathway should be referenced when determining the assessment requirements for any person being presented for competency assessment as a steam locomotive driver on a nominated heritage railway.
The ATHRA Learning Pathway identifies a link to the following Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) competency units:
  • TLIB3019:Test train braking system
  • TLIB4079:Conduct a general train examination
  • TLIC3030:Operate and monitor a heritage steam locomotive
  • TLIC4019:Drive train to operation requirements
  • TLIC4023:Operate train with due consideration of route conditions
  • TLIF4021:Respond to emergencies and abnormal situations when driving a train
While the trainee does not need to hold the AQF units listed above, the steam locomotive driver training administered to applicantsrequesting an assessment of competence to the steam locomotive driver grade is aligned to these AQF units.
Factors most likely to motivate learners / This course delivers both theory and practical hands on training driving a steam locomotive on a heritage railway.
All practical on job training and assessments of competence are conducted utilising thetypes of steam locomotive applicable to the trainee’s area of operations.
There are no scenario based activities presented.
TRAINING PROGRAM
Training Delivery Methodology /

Training deliver methodology

There are two ways of delivering this training course.
  1. Presenter led training. Presenter led training takes two days to complete. In this case, a Workplace Trainer/Assessor delivers the training course to participants in a classroom environment. Presenter’s Notes with slides and answers to activities are available if the training is being delivered in a classroom.
  2. Self paced training. This training package can also be handed to individual trainees who can read through the content as a “self paced” learning guide. The trainee needs to complete the Participant’s Workbook in their own time and schedule.
Irrespective of which method is applied, the trainee must still complete the Off Job Training and the Off Job Assessment that accompanies this training course.
The On Job Training Exercises can commence after successful completion of the Off Job theory component.
Additional Notes Regarding Training Structure / The completed On Job Workbook and all evidence that supports the assessment of competence must be obtained and attached to the competency assessment checklist.
Atleast10 shifts on job application must be applied before an assessment of competence can be administered.
This is a nominal time frame only. The period of On Job Application is determined by the Heritage railway operator and dependent on the density and complexity of their railway operational requirements and the different types of steam locomotive applicable to the trainee’s area of operations.
With some smaller operators and with some individuals it could be less.
Training and Assessment Validation / Processes used to validate the training and assessment strategy have included:
  • client consultation
  • review of ATHRA Steam Locomotive Driver Training and Assessment materials including validation and moderation of the assessment tool
  • Training and Assessment Strategy (TAS) review (this document)
  • Assessor observation administered by the ATHRA Training and Assessment Coordinator.
The competency assessment checklist content has been validated against the performance criteria, required knowledge and skills and the critical aspects of evidence defined in the TLI Transport and Logistics Training Package for the AQF units that have been allocated for this qualification.
The ATHRA Steam Driver Competency Assessment Checklist is only issued to the appointed ATHRA Workplace Assessors.
Delivery modes / All AQF competency units defined in the ATHRA Steam Locomotive DriverCompetency Assessment Checklist are assessed at the same time. The competency units selected for this qualification are clustered throughout the checklist.
An ATHRA approved certificate is awarded on successful completion of the assessment of competence.
Please refer to your copy of the ATHRA Steam Locomotive Learning Pathway for a complete list of AQF competency units which have been selected to confirm compliance as a Steam Locomotive Driver.
While the listed AQF competency units are not awarded, the Competency Assessment Checklist has been validated to confirm the assessment tool is aligned to the selected AQF competency units.
Please contact the ATHRA Training and Assessment Coordinator for more information related to awarding the AQF competency units.
ASSESSMENT DETAILS
Timing / All assessments are conducted after successful completion of the Off and On Job training exercises and a period of On Job Application.
DO NOTmake application to ATHRA for the administration of an assessment of competence unless evidence has been obtained to confirm that the participant has successfully completed both the Off and On Job Training and the period of On Job Application where the trainee has continued to conduct steam locomotive driver tasks the guided supervision of a qualified steam locomotive driver.
At the time of the competency assessment, the ATHRA nominated Workplace Assessor will request to sight the following documentation:
  • ATHRA Application Form for Competency Assessment, and …
  • the Off Job Assessment that was completed post the theory training, and …
  • the completed On Job Workbook as evidence the On Job Training Exercises have been completed
  • evidence the period of on job application has been completed.

Assessment methods / Completion of the ATHRA Steam Locomotive Drivercompetency assessment checklist is required.
Only an appointed ATHRA Workplace Assessor can administer the Steam Locomotive Driver assessment of competence.
The competency assessment checklist must be administered “in field” and in a live scenario managing the preparation, lighting up, driving a steam locomotive on a train and stabling the locomotive at the completion of the days running operations.
RESOURCES
Facilities, equipment and materials / If the training course is to be presenter led then the following resources will be needed to deliver this training course:
  • Training Room equipped with a whiteboard and data projector
  • Access to the relevantsteam locomotives to complete both the on job training exercises and the final assessment of competence.
  • Approved Personnel Protective Equipment (PPE) where required
  • copies of the ATHRA Steam Locomotive DriverParticipant’s Workbook Course No ATHRA 004 including the Off Job Assessment and the On Job Workbook for each participant
  • a copy of theATHRA Steam locomotive DriverPresenter’s Notes Course Number ATHRA 003 including the Overheads, the Off Job Assessment with Answers and the On Job Workbook(s).

Off and On Job Training / The nominated Heritage Railway must use a qualified person and who has been assessed competent as a Steam Locomotive Driver to:
  • deliver the theory training (if the training has been determined as being Presenter Led)
  • to administer the Off Job Assessment in a controlled environment at the completion of the theory training irrespective if it was Presenter Led or Self Paced
  • conduct the on job workbook exercises
  • supervise and mentor the trainee driver during the on job application period.

Competency Assessment / Only an approved ATHRA appointed Workplace trainer/Assessor who holds a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment is permitted to administer the assessment of competence.
There is a theory assessment administered prior to the practical assessment. This Off Job Assessment is administered in a “Closed Book” environment. This assessment is administered by the appointed ATHRA Workplace Assessor and will remain the property of ATHRA.
Successful completion of this Off Job Assessment confirms the underpinning knowledge for each applicable skill has been confirmed.
Any unsuccessful attempt at completing the Off Job Assessment at the time of the assessment of competence will mean the competency assessment has been terminated.
The assessment of competence will need to be re-scheduled.
The ATHRA Workplace Assessor will detail any deficiencies identified from the unsuccessful attempt at the theory component of the checklist to both the candidate being assessed and to the nominated Training manager at the Heritage Railway.
Risk / Risk associated with this participation in the training and assessment for this qualification has been evaluated ashigh.
The factors that affect most of the training program are:
  • Physical risk
  • Compliance risk
Strategies have been implemented to eliminate or minimise all of these risks, which include:
  • evidence that the trainee holds the pre-requisite entry standards which are:
a current Category 2 Medical certificate
the applicable shunting qualification
the applicable safeworking rules and regulations
qualified as a steam locomotive fireman
  • the Steam Locomotive Driver theory training must be completed and tested before any on job training exercises are commenced. This is achieved by the successful completion of an Off Job Assessment which is administered by the nominated Heritage Railway workplace trainer.
  • that trainees go through guided practice with a qualified steam locomotive driver during the On Job Training before attempting any before attempting any unguided attempts
  • the final assessment of competence requires the trainee to successfully complete both an additional off job theory component and a practical demonstration operating a heritage steam locomotive safely, efficiently and according to approved Heritage Railway workplace procedures. This is administered by an appointed ATHRA Workplace Assessor.
  • all supporting evidence that confirms operational compliance will be confirmed by the appointed ATHRA Workplace Assessor which will include sighting the applicant’s completed On Job Workbook.
  • a Supervisor Report is administered to confirm 3rd Party observation from the person’s direct Heritage Railway nominated person. This is administered by the ATHRA appointed Workplace Assessor.

INDUSTRY ENGAGEMENT AND SUPPORT
Stakeholder Consultation / Training plans and Learning Pathways for steam locomotive driverhave been developed in consultation with the Association of Tourist and Heritage Railway Australia (ATHRA) and each of the participating Heritage Railway organisation throughout Australia.
© ATHRA
Version 1:12th July 2017 / Steam Locomotive Driver
Training Strategy / Page 1 of 9
Code Title of unit / Training delivery mode / Assessment method
ATHRA Steam Locomotive Driver Training Course / Coaching on assessments results / Face-to-face / Online / Self paced / Work based / Demonstration / Knowledge test / Interview / Presentation / Project / Report / Work observation / Work documents
TLIB3019:Test train braking system /  /  /  /  /  /  / 
TLIB4079:Conduct a general train examination /  /  /  /  /  /  / 
TLIC3030:Operate and monitor a heritage steam locomotive /  /  /  /  /  /  / 
TLIC4019:Drive train to operation requirements /  /  /  /  /  /  / 
TLIC4023:Operate train with due consideration of route conditions /  /  /  /  /  /  / 
TLIF4110:Respond to emergencies and abnormal situations when driving a train /  /  /  /  /  /  / 

Definitions of Assessment methods

Demonstration: Any practical display that happens off-the-job including role-play, simulation and performance of a skill.

Knowledge test:Multiple choice questions, short answer or essay, usually under supervised and/or timed conditions. May be written, oral or open-book.

Interview:Interviews may be conducted face-to-face, by telephone or web conference. A Supervisor Report can also administered as supporting evidence.

Presentation: Oral:Presentations may be made to an audience during a workshop or on video.

Project:A series of tasks to be completed to produce a specific definable outcome. The outcome is known as the deliverable. Once the outcome has been achieved the project is finished.

Report: A report provides information about something that has happened. Usually done in the candidate’s own time and submitted for assessment as part of an RPL exercise.

Documents: A candidate may be asked to present previously completed documents as evidence. A supervisor’s verification is also a document. Normally requested as part of an RPL exercise.

Work observation: When the assessor observes the candidate doing their job to see that they are completing the tasks appropriately.

© ATHRA
Version 1: 12th July 2017 / Steam Locomotive Driver
Training Strategy / Page 1 of 9
Heritage Railway Training Guide
Training delivery schedule / The ATHRA Steam Locomotive Driver training course consists of following components:
  • Off Job Training and Off Job Assessment.
  • On Job Training Exercises
  • A period of On Job application under guided supervision
  • Competency Assessment.

Off Job Training / The Off Job Training takes two days to complete when it is being delivered as a Presenter Led presentation.
There is no timeframe if the course is be completed as a “self paced” training course.
The Off Job Training Course consists nine (9) sections which are:
  • Section 1: Boilers, Frames, Axle Boxes and Suspension
  • Section 2: Lubrication
  • Section 3: Valves, Pistons and Motion
  • Section 4: Air Compressors, Compressor Governors and Main Reservoirs
  • Section 5:No 4 Automatic Air Brake System
  • Section 6: A6ET Air Brake Equipment
  • Section 7: Vacuum Brake Equipment
  • Section 8: Train Management Principles
  • Section 9: Train Inspection Procedures
The Off Job Assessment is administered at the completion of Section 9.
IMPORTANT!
If the trainee operates vacuum brake locomotives ONLY and is not required to operate locomotives fitted with a compressed air brake system then not all sections of the Steam Locomotive Driver Training Course needs to be delivered.
If the trainee only operates locomotives fitted with vacuum brake then the following sections DO NOT need t be delivered:
  • Section 4: Air Compressors, Compressor Governors and Main Reservoirs
  • Section 5:No 4 Automatic Air Brake System
  • Section 6: A6ET Air Brake Equipment
If the trainee does not operate locomotives fitted with vacuum brake equipment then Section 7 Vacuum Brake Equipment does not need to be delivered.
The Off Job Assessment / The trainees are permitted to complete the Off job Assessment following delivery of the theory training course in an Open Book environment.
Even though an “Open Book” environment is permitted, the administration of the Off job Assessment must be conducted in a controlled environment. The Off job Assessment MUST NOT to be posted to the trainee if a self paced learning environment has been chosen.
IMPORTANT!
The off job assessment is divided into four parts identified as:
  • PART A: Reciprocating Engine, Lubrication and Boiler Safety
  • PART B: Train Inspection Procedures
  • PART C: Westinghouse Air Brake questions
  • PART D: Vacuum brake questions
All trainees MUST complete Part A and Part B.
Trainees that do not operate Westinghouse Air Brake DO NOT need to complete Part C.
Trainees that do not operate Vacuum Brake Equipment DO NOT need to complete Part D
On Job Workbook / The On Job Training Exercises can commence following successfully completion of the Off Job Training and Off Job Assessment.
The On Job Workbook has five exercises identified as:
  • Exercise 1: Steam Locomotive Components
  • Exercise 2 Preparing a Steam Locomotive for Service
  • Exercise 3: Driving a Steam Locomotive on the Road
  • Exercise 4: Stabling a steam locomotive
  • Exercise 5: Train Inspection procedures
The On job exercises are completed as guided demonstrations followed by guided and unguided supervision. There are no simulated activities contained in the On Job Workbook. All exercises must be conducted in a real time live condition managing the preparation of a steam locomotive for service, managing the fireman during the light up procedures and when firing the locomotive on the road, applying route knowledge and driving a steam locomotive on a train and stabling a steam locomotive at the completion of the shift.
Make sure the following information is attached to or included in the applicable Comments Section within the On Job Workbook:
  • type(s) of steam locomotive utalised and including coal or oil fired
  • type of train, including number of carriages and trailing load
  • all other supporting information that confirms the training was completed correctly
Only the applicable components of the On Job Exercises needs to be completed.
For example, if a trainee driver does not operate:
  • oil fired locomotives, then any exercises related to oil fired locomotives can be deleted by placing a line through the exercises and recorded as Not Applicable (N/A).
  • locomotives fitted with vacuum brake equipment can also be deleted by placing a line through the exercises and recorded as Not Applicable (N/A).
The On Job Workbook also contains a section where the trainee can record completed shifts driving a steam locomotiveon a heritage railway.
This is where the period of on job application is recorded.
Application for assessment of competence / Make sure you have ensured all training requirements have been completed.
This includes the successful completion of the following training outcomes:
  • the Off Job Assessment
  • the On Job Workbook
  • evidence that the Period of On Job Application has been completed.
REMEMBER: If the supporting evidence cannot be confirmed with the ATHRA appointed Workplace Assessor, then the scheduled assessment of competence will be cancelled and will need to be re-scheduled.
There is an ATHRA Application for Assessment Form that will need to be completed.
The application for assessment also needs to include payment of the applicable ATHRA fee.
Supervisor Report / The appointed ATHRA Assessor will forward or hand to the nominated heritage railway a 3rd Party/Supervisor Report which the nominated representative or Training Manager will need to complete.