As a trade assistant, you’ll be reliable and hard-working. You’ll work under the direction of senior team members and tradespeople, but you will need to be self-motivated and take initiative on a work site. You’ll learn new skills by completing diverse tasks as you support electrical technicians, fitters, maintainers, carpenters, and others.

Trade assistants work on a huge variety of rail projects. They support tradespeople to construct and maintain rail infrastructure and are involved in activities such as laying track, concreting, excavation, track inspection, landscaping, operating heavy machinery, painting, cable hauling, and vehicle maintenance. You could work on some of the nation building projects happening in Australia which revolutionise passenger transport in cities and towns, or add capacity to cross-country freight networks. Trade assistants also learn many manual skills as their experience grows.

You’ll be part of a team that builds and maintains infrastructure along the rail network. You’ll work within the rail corridor alongside trains or on construction sites. In most roles you’ll wear protective and safety equipment such as a hardhat, gloves, and hi-visibility clothing. Sometimes you’ll be exposed to heat, cold, wind and rain.

Trade assistants usually don’t need formal qualifications. But a Certificate II in Construction, or a Certificate II in Engineering, will give you useful skills for the role. You may need extra training and qualifications to work in tunnels, at heights, or in confined spaces. Experienced trade assistants or qualified tradespersons may be accepted into senior positions, such as a trade supervisor or trade superintendent. You will need a general construction induction card (White Card) to access most work locations. It may be useful if you have a heavy vehicle licence, forklift licence, elevated work platform ticket, and first aid training. Your employer will generally provide rail-specific safety and induction training. Our industry values diverse personal and work experience. Many employers can provide you with opportunities to gain new qualifications and industry experience to help you succeed.