How to become a Railway Infrastructure Worker
Railway infrastructure workers work on the construction, maintenance and operation of railway infrastructure, including tracks, signalling equipment and buildings.
Personal requirements for a Railway Infrastructure Worker
- Enjoy practical and manual activities
- Able to cope with the physical demands of the job
- Alert and safety-conscious
- Able to work as part of a team
Education & Training for a Railway Infrastructure Worker
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.
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.
Duties & Tasks of a Railway Infrastructure Worker
Railway infrastructure workers:
- 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)
- Operate equipment
- Perform general site maintenance of the rail corridor.
Tasks
- Cutting rails to length and grinding worn and rough rail ends
- Examining track, lubricating wheel bearings on rolling stock and maintaining switch signal lamps
- Cleaning and lubricating switches
- Placing sleepers across roadbeds, and positioning and fastening rails on sleepers
- Installing and repairing signals and other equipment
- May assist with the righting of derailed rolling stock
- Drilling bolt holes, and bolting and welding rail sections
- Removing and replacing worn and damaged rails, sleepers and switches
- Spreading and tamping ballast to provide firm foundation for sleepers
Working conditions for a Railway Infrastructure Worker
Railway infrastructure workers work on railway lines and at transfer yards, mines and quarries. They work shifts, including weekends and public holidays. Those working in regional or remote locations may be required to stay in local accommodation.
Employment Opportunities for a Railway Infrastructure Worker
Railway infrastructure workers may be employed throughout Australia, by state passenger services, the national railway asset owner, Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) (www.artc.com.au), 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. With experience and further training, promotion to supervisory or other positions is possible.
Specializations
Track Worker
Railway Infrastructure Worker
Railway infrastructure workers work on the construction, maintenance and operation of railway infrastructure, including tracks, signalling equipment and buildings.
Average age
44 years
Future Growth
Strong
Gender Share
4% female
Average full-time
49 hours
Weekly Pay
$2,074
Skill level rating
Lower skill
Unemployment
Lower unemployment
Full-Time Share
90% Full-Time
Employment Size
3,600 workers
Employment by state
ACT: 0.0%
NSW: 34.2%
NT: 0.3%
QLD: 27.9%
SA: 4.0%
TAS: 0.9%
VIC: 17.3%
WA: 15.5%
Age brackets
15-19: 0.8%
20-24: 5.2%
25-34: 24.4%
35-44: 21.5%
45-54: 24.6%
55-59: 13.8%
60-64: 7.5%
65 and Over: 2.4%
Education level
Advanced Diploma/Diploma: 5.2%
Bachelor degree: 2.4%
Certificate III/IV: 33.6%
Post Graduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate: 1.1%
Year 10 and below: 32.5%
Year 11: 8.3%
Year 12: 17%
