A total of 21 children from high schools in Berwick, Geelong and Ringwood have already begun work, with the programme being held at Newport's Rail Academy. The course, an Australian first, has been developed by the state's rail industry in conjunction with the Level Crossing Removal Project. Its aim was to introduce a rail qualification, the Certificate II in Heavy and Light Rail Fundamentals (pre-vocational) for Year 9 and 10 students in high school.
Public Transport Minister, Melissa Horne said the course will help students gain some knowledge and find out what it would be like to work within the rail industry, adding:
“As we get on and remove 75 level crossings, build the Metro Tunnel and upgrade regional rail – we’re training the next generation of rail workers right here in Victoria.”
She said it is hoped the part-time, two-year course will help to encourage secondary students to seek rail industry careers once they have completed school. Brochure printing services can help provide materials containing information on careers such as this to provide clear career guidelines.
Swinburne University of Technology administers the curriculum, which incorporates training across the broad scope of railway operations ranging from rolling stock and rail infrastructure to safety awareness and customer service. The pilot programme will run until 2021.