Delivering a rail workforce for the future

A chronic skills shortage across the rail sector is expected to continue for another decade as governments spend $155 billion to modernise and expand networks.

Around 70,000 extra workers with traditional and digital skills will be needed to build and run these new investments. 

To help meet this demand the NTC is working with governments, industry and the education sector to:

• develop faster training pathways into digital and future skills
• identify consistent operating rules and practices to reduce the need for bespoke training
• harmonise training and onboarding process for rail workers
• create a more inclusive and diverse industry that will attract more people to work in rail.
   

The demand for digital skills in rail is forecast to increase over the next five years driven by: 

• the introduction of digital train control
• intelligent transport systems
• a move towards decarbonisation.

By 2027, nearly 40% of existing rail workers will have their job impacted by digital technologies.

Right now, the digital competency of rail workers varies greatly. Digital skills training needs to account for this. And for the different types of skills that specific roles require.

Through the NRAP, we’re working with government, industry and educators to identify the specific digital skills that individual rail roles need. And finding faster pathways to these skills with nationally recognised training.

Our work in this area complements:

• Industry Skills Australia’s (ISA) Digital Capability program 
• Australian Cyber Security Centre’s Essential Eight Assessment course. 
   

Australia’s 18 separate rail networks have different operating rules, systems and technologies. 

This has led to them developing their own unique training and assessment procedures.

Training is not mutually recognised. So, workers often must be retrained and assessed to work on different networks.

This is expensive and complicated and increases the risk of human error.

The NTC is working with the Australasian Railway Association (ARA) and Industry Skills Australia (ISA) to identify common operating rules and practices that will reduce the need for bespoke training.
 

Many entry-level rail credentials share the same nationally accredited competencies. However, competencies achieved on one network are not always accepted on another. 

We’re working with industry and the education sector to develop entry level training that is recognised by all jurisdictions.

This will:

• reduce training costs
• make it easier for workers to move across networks
• help skilled workers from different backgrounds find a job in rail.
  

Many of the skills that rail needs are in demand around the world.

To compete for this talent, rail needs to show that it offers a flexible, welcoming and inclusive workplace. 

Rail organisations have been working independently to do this. 

Through the National Rail Action Plan, we’re taking strategies that have worked on a small scale and expanding them for greater impact across the sector.

This includes pilot programs that will make it easier for women, young people and people from different backgrounds to start a career in rail.