Railway Track Worker - Career Advice - Government and Defence

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Railway Track Plant Operator
Railway Signal Operator
Train & Network Controller

Railway infrastructure workers work on the construction, maintenance and operation of railway infrastructure, including tracks, signalling equipment and buildings. Rail infrastructure workers install, maintain and repair rail and tram tracks, signals and associated bridges and tunnels for passenger trains, freight trains, light rail and trams. Railway infrastructure workers work on railway lines and at transfer yards, mines and quarries. FutureGrowthModerate Track workers build, inspect, maintain and repair tracks for heavy and light railways. They may also lay and repair tracks at tramways, quarries and mines and install and repair signals and other equipment. Track work requires the services of labourers to carry out a variety of track maintenance tasks, such as labouring, welding, oxy cutting, asphalting, concreting and operating mechanical equipment including jackhammers, vibrating plates and air compressors, or even large earthmoving and specialist mechanical equipment such as excavators and tamper machines.

ANZSCO ID: 8216

Alternative names: Rail Infrastructure Worker, Railway Track Worker, Track Labourer, Trackman, Track Walker, Track Worker,

Specialisations: Track Inspector

Knowledge, skills and attributes

enjoy practical and manual activities
physical fitness and strength - able to cope with the physical demands of the job
problem solving skills
strong spatial awareness
good hand-eye coordination
a methodical and organised way of working
alert and safety-conscious
able to work as part of a team

Railway Infrastructure Worker training
(Source: Southern Cross Civil & Rail Training)

Duties and Tasks

Railway infrastructure workers may perform the following tasks:

inspect and monitor railway tracks
check, assess and maintain track-laying equipment
install, maintain and repair tracks, sleepers (wooden or concrete support slats) and ballast (crushed stone surrounding the tracks and sleepers)
spreading and tamping ballast to provide firm foundation for sleepers
placing sleepers across roadbeds, and positioning and fastening rails on sleepers
drilling bolt holes, and bolting and welding rail sections
operate equipment - use a range of tools and equipment including welding and industrial bolting equipment.
lay and fix the foundations and sleepers for tracks
cut rails to length
install railway switches
repair and maintain worn or rough rail ends
remove and replace damaged track
examining track, lubricating wheel bearings on rolling stock and examine and maintain switch signal lamps
cleaning and lubricating switches
examine and maintain the wheel bearings of rolling stock
installing and repairing signals and other equipment
may assist with the righting of derailed rolling stock
perform general site maintenance of the rail corridor

Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators - USA
https://youtu.be/hMgIlBXRZk0

Working Conditions

In a full-time job you would normally work a standard number of hours per week, on a shiftwork basis, including nights, weekends and public holidays.

Rail infrastructure workers work outside, as well as inside tunnels, mines and other enclosed spaces. They also work in train depots and rail yards. They work in most weather conditions. Conditions may be hazardous as they usually work with large industrial machinery so they need to be very health and safety conscious.

You may be required to wear protective or high-visibility clothing, and to operate a two-way radio. You may also be required to work in regional or remote locations, to spend time away from home and may be required to stay in local accommodation.

Tools and technologies

Railway track workers use a range of tools and equipment in the construction of railway tracks, including rails, sleepers, bolts, welding and industrial bolting equipment. They also work with ballast, which provides the foundations for railway tracks, and also install railway switches. Railway track workers may also use electrical equipment to repair signals. They may also use two-way radios, and may be required to wear protective clothing such as boots, helmets, goggles, gloves and high-visibility clothing.

Track work requires the services of labourers to carry out a variety of track maintenance tasks, such as labouring, welding, oxy cutting, asphalting, concreting and operating mechanical equipment including jackhammers, vibrating plates and air compressors, or even large earthmoving and specialist mechanical equipment such as excavators and tamper machines.

Education and training/entrance requirements

You can work as a railway infrastructure worker without formal qualifications, but employers usually require Year 10.

Once you are employed, you will receive formal training, both on and off the job. On completion of this training, you may receive a nationally recognised qualification. To become a railway track worker you usually need to undertake a traineeship in rail infrastructure (level 2 or level 3). The traineeships usually take between 12 and 24 months to complete, and the level 2 traineeship is available as a school-based traineeship.

Additional Information

Applicants go through a range of recruitment processes, including personality, aptitude and ability tests; an interview; and a medical assessment. Age limits may apply.

Once you are employed, you may be able to develop, and have recognised, additional skills under the Transport and Logistics Training Package that will expand your career opportunities within this industry.

Employment Opportunities

Railway infrastructure workers may be employed throughout NSW and the ACT by passenger operators such as Sydney Trains and NSW Trains; by the national railway asset owner, Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC); and by contractors providing infrastructure services to these operators.

Demand for railway infrastructure workers depends on the levels of railway construction and maintenance activity. employment opportunities may increase with previous relevant experience. Employment of rail infrastructure workers is projected to remain relatively steady. Employment growth for this occupation is dependant on the building of new rail infrastructure, and on the amount of maintenance required on existing tracks.

With experience and further training, promotion to supervisory or other positions is possible.

Did You Know?

(Source: Rail Academy - Victorian Government)

Railway Track Plant Operators operate plants to lay, align, repair and maintain railway tracks. Future Growth Strong

ANZSCO ID: 721914

Alternative names: Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operator, Rail Plant Operator,

Knowledge, skills and attributes

knowledge of building and construction
the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
physical skills like movement, coordination and dexterity
supporting general track maintenance and renewal/upgrade projects including track, civil structures, and bridges across the Rail Network
contribute to a safe workplace environment where risks are identified, understood, and managed
operate heavy plant equipment in a safe manner
cleaning and general maintenance ensuring services are completed for truck and other plant equipment
knowledge of engineering science and technology
the ability to work well with others
to be thorough and pay attention to detail
to be flexible and open to change

Railway Track Plant Operator
(Source: Aries Rail)

Duties and Tasks

Drives plant to lay, align and carry out maintenance work on railway tracks.
Adjust controls of machines that spread, shape, raise, level, and align track, according to specifications.
Drive graders, tamping machines, brooms, and ballast cleaning/spreading machines to redistribute gravel and ballast between rails.
Drive vehicles that automatically move and lay tracks or rails over sections of track to be constructed, repaired, or maintained
Engage mechanisms that lay tracks or rails to specified gauges.
Observe leveling indicator arms to verify levelness and alignment of tracks.
Operate within the guidelines of the Rail Safety Act
Be covered by a structured plant maintenance program
Comply with the registration and operation requirements
Operate in accordance with all Network Rules
Utilise a suitably formatted daily pre-start inspection report to be completed by the operator before commencement of operation
Be in compliance at all times with the relevant OH&S Acts and Regulations for the state of operation
Maintains equipment.

Working conditions

In a full-time job you would normally work a standard number of hours per week, on a shiftwork basis, including nights, weekends and public holidays.

Education and training/entrance requirements

You can work as a Railway Track Plant Operator without formal qualifications, however, they may be useful. Training is available through VET (Vocational Education and Training). A course in rail infrastructure might be helpful.

Rail Industry Worker Program Transition - Overview
https://youtu.be/MrE9dU3tGv8

Train & Network Controllers oversee the safe movement of trains using computerised train control signalling systems. Train and network controllers move trains across their area of control using computerised and mechanical control systems, and liaise with other employees across the network to ensure passenger and freight trains run to schedule and safety standards are maintained. Train controllers in Western Australia are able to monitor regular Transperth services in the Perth metropolitan area, TransWA services to regional areas, and long-distance freight trains used in the mining industry. Future Growth Static

ANZSCO ID: 712918

Alternative names: Train Controller, Network Controller (Trains),

Specialisations:

Railway Signaller - operates signal equipment to control the running of trains, records the details of trains that pass and notifies the control centre in cases of a delay or accident. Advances in signalling technology have enabled the centralisation of this function in some organisations, with both signalling and train control being managed by train and network controllers.

Knowledge, skills and attributes

high-level communication skills
good problem-solving skills
able to act appropriately in emergency situations
able to work in a team environment
good memory for learning safety procedures and regulations
able to concentrate for long periods on detailed information
alert and safety-conscious

Signaller
(Source: Plan it Plus)

Duties and Tasks

Authorises and direct movements of trains.
Communicates with locomotive engineers to ensure safe movements of trains.
Familiarises themselves with the weight, length and schedules of trains.
Records movement of trains including departures and scheduled stops.
Provides other train controllers with information on trains progress.
Authorises and controls any activity taking place on railway tracks, including maintenance work.
Contacts relevant personal to deal with faults or mechanical failures.
Reports any accidents or incidents to the land transport authority and any other relevant body such as emergency services.
Operate mechanical or computerised signal equipment to control the running of trains
Liaise with all areas of the rail system to ensure smooth running of trains
Use computerised control systems to coordinate the safe crossing of trains and ensure they are on the right path
Control when the trains stop and start, ensuring they arrive at their destinations on time
Initiate and manage emergency procedures in the event of an incident, and coordinate the train network so that each train within the area remains safe

Working conditions

Train controllers usually work from a control to manage the efficient travel of rail traffic through their network. They respond to equipment failures and warning alarms and provide details to affected rail traffic services. They may also organise alternative transport in emergency situations, or when train services have been disrupted. Train and network controllers are required to work shifts, including weekends and public holidays.

Tools and technologies

Train controllers use computerised network systems to coordinate trains and ensure the trains are on the correct path and on time. They monitor several screens at once watching the progress of the trains and the condition of the signals. They use radios and phones to communicate with drivers and other operators. Train controllers may also use satellite voice communication systems and signal boxes.

Education and training/entrance requirements

You can work as a Train Controller without formal qualifications, however, you might to undertake a traineeship in rail network control (level 4). The traineeship usually takes 24 months to complete. Once you are employed, you will receive intensive formal training, both on and off the job. On completion of this training, you may receive a nationally recognised qualification.

As an apprentice or trainee, you enter into a formal training contract with an employer, enabling you to complete training towards a nationally recognised qualification. You spend time working and learning practical skills on the job and you spend some time undertaking structured training with a registered training provider.

You can do an apprenticeship or traineeship if you are a school-leaver, re-entering the workforce or as an adult or mature-aged person wishing to change careers. You can even begin your apprenticeship or traineeship while you're still at school.

If you are still at school you can access an apprenticeship through your school. Talk to your school's VET Co-ordinator to start your training now through VET in Schools. If you are no longer at school you can apply for an apprenticeship or traineeship and get paid while you learn and work.

Additional Information

Applicants will go through a range of recruitment processes, including personality, aptitude and ability tests; an interview; and a medical assessment. Age limits may apply. Once you are employed, you may be able to develop, and have recognised, additional skills under the Transport and Logistics Training Package that will expand your career opportunities within this industry.

Employment Opportunities

Competition for train and network controller positions is very strong. Entrants often start at a lower level (as a railway station assistant, for example) and then work their way up to these positions.

Train and network controllers are employed by railway owners, and passenger and freight operators. Rail services are provided throughout NSW and the ACT by passenger services such as Sydney Trains; by the national railway asset owner, Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC); and by national freight operators such as Asciano.

With experience and further training, promotion to supervisory or other positions is possible.

Network Rail - Signaller UK
https://youtu.be/BfIXAlLrlzU

Railway Signal Operators control the movement of trains, and assemble and disassemble trains within a marshalling yard. Future Growth Static

ANZSCO ID: 712917

Alternative names: Railway Switching and Signalling Operator,

Specialisations: Railway Shunter, Railway Yard Assistant,

Knowledge, skills and attributes

observant and thorough
responsible
able to remain calm under pressure
able to analyse situations and make decisions
aware of the importance of health and safety
able to understand and follow rules and regulations
aable to concentrate for long periods.
you must be at least 18 years old.
you have to pass a medical examination and alcohol and drug tests.
you need to be physically fit, with good eyesight, satisfactory colour vision and good hearing.
you will require a satisfactory criminal record check
you will undergo regular drug and alcohol tests to make sure you are not under any influence during working hours – Rail have a zero tolerance policy.
aa driving licence may be necessary in order to get to work at any time of day or night.

(Source: Your Career)

Duties and Tasks

directs trains within marshalling yards
breaks apart and join train wagons and carriages
places wagons, carriages and engines into sidings
directs outgoing trains to the main line
may conduct safety checks

Working conditions

You may work in a small signal box next to a track or in a large control room away from the tracks. Shifts can vary between 8 and 12 hours, depending on location. You may be working alone or with a team of other signallers. You may spend a lot of time in front of computer screens. You would have to work shifts, including evenings, nights, public holidays and weekends. The work may be mentally exhausting.

Education and training/entrance requirements

You can work as a Railway Signal Operator without formal qualifications, however, a certificate III or IV in mechanical or electrical rail signalling may be useful.