Local workers on track to a brighter future with Inland Rail
Eighteen Wagga Wagga locals including sixteen First Nations participants are on track for a bright future working in the rail industry after graduating from a five-week course to build their infrastructure skills thanks to the Inland Rail Skills Academy (IRSA).
April 17, 2024
‘Certificate II in Rail Infrastructure’ Wagga Wagga cohort. (Source: Inland Rail)
The accredited Certificate II in Rail Infrastructure course opens future career opportunities including working as a track worker, track installer, or on the track maintenance crew.
The course was run by the IRSA in partnership with First Nations training organisation Yakka Training and was held for the first time in Wagga Wagga at the Rail Heritage Building and Junee Rail Hub.
Over the five weeks, students received theory and practical training covering work health safety procedures, track fundamentals, operating minor mechanical equipment, track ballasting, and installing railway sleepers.
The graduating cohort celebrated their accomplishments with a ceremony, presentations, and lunch at Wagga’s Rail Heritage Building. The group are the first to complete training from Wagga Wagga and are the largest cohort to graduate from the IRSA.
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 Worker’ card, and any offer of employment for participants.
The course has been successfully run previously in Albury and Boggabilla, with some participants gaining meaningful employment in the rail industry and supply chain following their training.
Stephen Jones, Inland Rail Director of Health, Safety and Environment said:
“We’re proud to bring this critical training course to the Wagga Wagga community and are thrilled to see the largest cohort to date graduate from the Inland Rail Skills Academy.
“The qualifications gained during this Certificate II course will set participants up to gain meaningful employment into the future, and they should be commended for all their efforts.
“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.”
