You’ll work near moving trains and electricity, so you must be alert and focused on the job. It takes curiosity and imagination to identify what’s causing the problem when equipment breaks down. You’ll need to collaborate with others to get the job done.

Electrical technicians work on every railway line and train in Australia. Advanced signalling and control systems must be reliable so they need regular maintenance. This ensures people and freight get where they need to be on time.

As an electrical technician, you’ll access areas of track to inspect electrical equipment or make repairs. You might be part of a team that commissions new equipment to make the railway safer and faster. For example, we’re replacing level crossings with new crossings that separate people, cars and trains. This work saves lives and improves the use of roads and railway lines.

As an apprentice, you’ll learn your trade from experienced trainers and senior electricians. You’ll spend time in classrooms, workshops, and trackside as you complete your training and start your career.

Once qualified, you’ll be part of a team that maintains and fixes equipment along the rail network.

You’ll work within the rail corridor alongside trains or on construction sites. You could also work at heights, in tunnels, or in advanced control centres.

You can find work as an electrical technician all around Australia. Most jobs are in cities and towns. Some are in remote areas.

To work as an electrical technician, you’ll need an electrical trade qualification. This could be a Certificate IV in Electrical Rail Signalling or Certificate IV in Electrotechnology. You must also have an electrical licence in the state where you plan to work.

If you don’t have experience or qualifications, there are many apprenticeship opportunities which provide you with all the training you’ll need. You’ll complete a vocational training course and receive a certificate level qualification while you work.

If you already have a relevant trade certificate but have not worked in rail before, many employers provide the additional training you’ll need to work in the rail industry.

Typically, you’ll progress from an entry level position (apprentice) to more senior roles such as a team leader or specialist.