How to become a Train Driver in Australia
What if you could find a career option that is not only secure but also offers a good salary, and at the same time gives you the opportunity to travel to new places? Believe me, you can achieve such a career too. Let’s find out how.
Becoming a train driver in Australia is considered a respectable profession. If you possess technical skills, safety awareness, and discipline, becoming a train driver could be a great option for you. In a developed country like Australia, where the railway network is extensive and there is always a demand for drivers especially in new South Wales, this career path is promising.
In this article, you will learn how to become a train driver in Australia, what steps you need to take, what training or education is required, and finally, how you can secure this job easily.
Responsibilities of a Train Driver in Australia
You might think that the train’s movement is solely the train driver’s responsibility, but in reality, the train driver has many other tasks besides just driving. The most important duty is to ensure the train reaches its destination safely and on time. Additionally, the train driver must keep the passengers traveling on the train safe.
If needed, they also communicate with the control room or any passenger requiring assistance. But that’s not all—before the train even starts moving, the driver must go through numerous safety measures, such as thoroughly checking all the train’s equipment to identify and fix any technical issues in time.
In summary, a driver must thoroughly learn the training before operating a train, where the signal system plays a crucial role. Along with this, they need to easily understand when to stop the train and how fast or slow to go. Believe me, it is quite an interesting job.
Eligibility and Requirements to Become a Train Driver in Australia
To become a train driver, you must have at least completed high school education. Additionally, if you complete the Certificate IV in Train Driving course, which is part of the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF Level 4), it greatly helps in becoming a train driver.
This course lasts from 6 to 12 months and is an essential step; without it, you cannot become a licensed train driver in Australia. You can obtain this certificate from any Registered Training Organisation (RTO), some of which are even offered by railway companies such as Aurizon, Sydney Trains, Pacific National, etc.Regarding age, you should be at least 18 years old.
Some companies prefer candidates up to 21 years old, but this depends on the company. Additionally, your English should be decent since training, exams, and interviews are all conducted in English.
You must also have a Track Safety Awareness Certificate, which proves that you are qualified to work on railway tracks in a correct and safe manner. Additionally, it is mandatory to have an ID card called the Rail Industry Worker (RIW) card. This serves as proof that you have received proper training on all safety signals and are fully qualified to work in the railway department.
Besides these, there are some other exams and tests that you must have or successfully pass, including:
- Psychometric tests, which assess cognitive ability, decision-making speed, and reaction time
- Drug and alcohol tests
- Police check (National Police Check)
If you are from another country and want to become a train driver in Australia, you will also need some other documents such as:
- Permanent Residency
- Work visa or Skilled visa
- Post-study work rights after a student visa
- Ielts Score
Train Driver Income in Australia: Salary, Overtime & Perks
The salary for a train driver in Australia is quite good. A starting driver can earn approximately $80,000 to $95,000 per year. Additionally, some companies provide overtime pay, night allowances, and extra payments for weekend work.
If you are an experienced train driver with several years of experience, your salary can range from $120,000 to $135,000 AUD. At this level, you may be offered a senior driver position, which, besides the salary, includes many perks such as pension, insurance, and various other benefits.
Train Driver Training Program: Duration, Skills, and Certification
If you successfully pass all the tests, you are selected for the training program, which lasts from 6 to 12 months. During this training, you learn how to operate a train, along with important topics such as signals, safety rules, and what to do in emergency situations.
You also receive on-the-job training, where you learn how to remember different trains and routes. After completing the training, you are awarded a certificate and a license, which qualify you to be recognized as a professional train driver.
