You’ll enjoy troubleshooting the cause of problems in rail equipment, and will be able to adapt your expertise and manual trade skills to many different circumstances and types of equipment. You’ll also enjoy collaborating with other tradespeople and technicians to make repairs.

There is a huge variety of work available for machine maintainers. They’re involved in almost every aspect of rail operations as they maintain our trains, carriages, track, signalling equipment, power systems, yards, and facilities. Maintainers usually specialise in one or more of these areas throughout their career.

Machine maintainers also learn many manual skills as their experience grows and they are exposed to different technologies.

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

Once qualified, you’ll often be in a workshop or maintenance yard working with other tradespeople, technicians and engineers. You may work alone or in remote areas in some roles.

Machine maintainers come from many different trades. They typically have at least a Certificate III in mechanical technology, mobile plant and equipment, plant repair, automotive electrical, fabrication, engineering, air-conditioning and refrigeration, or automotive repair.

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.