The accredited Certificate II in Rail Infrastructure course opens up future career opportunities including track worker, track installer, and track maintenance crew, and was run by the IRSA in partnership with TIC Training Group in Albury at the Ettamogah Rail Hub and the Westside Community Centre.
The Certificate II in Rail Infrastructure is a great opportunity for entry level qualifications for the industry, and includes mandatory training required for a Rail Industry Workers, and any offer of employment for participants.
The course has been piloted by IRSA successfully in the past, with approximately forty per cent of participants gaining meaningful employment, including at Trans4m Rail, local councils, and other regional employers.
Over the eight weeks, the students received theory and practical training including work health safety procedures, track fundamentals, operating minor mechanical equipment, track ballasting, and installing railway sleepers.
This week's graduating cohort are the second group to participate in the program in Albury, which provides a head start for participants to take advantage of fantastic future employment opportunities along the Inland Rail alignment.
More training is scheduled for 2024 in safety, plant operations and civil construction.
Stephen Jones, Inland Rail Director of Safety, Environment and Engagement said:
"Inland Rail is delivering real opportunities for regional communities. We're proud to support the next generation of workers in the rail industry, as we continue with the job of completing Inland Rail from Beveridge to Parkes by 2027.
"Inland Rail is not just about building the railway line, as important as that is, it's also about building the capability and capacity of local communities to continue to grow.
"There is no better legacy than helping local people learn new skills that set them up for new careers that can help them build better lives for themselves and their families".
Image caption: Graduates of the Certificate II in Rail Infrastructure course.
