As a Shunter, you will need to master following:

• assess railway operations
• check train engines
• comply with railway safety standards
• control train movement
• dangers of marshalling activity
• enforce railway safety regulations
• follow switching instructions in rail operations
• operate railway communication systems
• operate railway control panels
• operate railway switches
• operate railway warning systems
• operate switching locomotives
• oversee operational safety on trains
• perform maintenance on locomotives
• perform rail track inspections
• perform routine maintenance on railway engines
• perform wagon coupling
• physical characteristics of railways
• rail infrastructure
• railway framework legislation
• read railway circuit plans
• shunt inbound loads
• shunt outbound loads
• shunt rolling stock in marshalling yards
• test the braking force of trains
• train operating procedures
• use hand signal for transport procedures

More generally, a shunter is also versed in:

• deal with challenging work conditions
• drive vehicles
• mechanics of trains
• operate radio equipment
• operate railway vehicles
• principles of mechanical engineering

It also helps to know the following:

• assist in the movement of heavy loads
• compare shipment contents with waybill
• ensure train stability after loading
• keep written records of cargo
• electrical engineering
• electrical wiring plans
• load animals for transportation