This page is updated when information changes, but it's always best to talk to your training provider to confirm course details before you enrol.
Overview
This is a general qualification for a person engaged in basic operations within the rail infrastructure environment. It involves undertaking a range of tasks involving known routines and procedures and taking some responsibility for the quality of work outcomes.
Job roles
Job roles and titles vary across different sectors. Possible job titles relevant to this qualification include:
Rail Infrastructure – Track Work
- track worker
- track installer
- track maintainer
Rail Infrastructure – Structures
- structures maintainer
Rail Infrastructure – Track Surfacing
- plant operator
- mobile plant operator
- way gang driver
Rail Infrastructure – Tram or Light Rail Infrastructure
- tram infrastructure track worker level 1–3
- light rail track worker.
Please note: RTO to insert on the testamur, the specialist elective unit group selected from the group choice below.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this qualification at the time of publication.
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Financial help
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Cost
Course costs can vary by provider and location. Ask your training provider for a cost estimate.
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VET Student Loans are not available
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You may need to pay for equipment or materials.
To see how government funding could help to reduce the cost of your course, check your eligibility for funding.
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On-the-job training
- Apprenticeships and traineeships are not available for this course.
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Entry requirements
This course doesn't have any entry requirements. It could be a good starting point for your career.
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Duration
You complete this course when you’ve learned the skills, not after a set amount of time. The times shown are estimates.
- Qualification only:
6 months – 1 year
- Qualification only:
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Delivery options
You may be able to access this training in these ways:
Course content
This course is made up of units.
All courses have core units—these are mandatory for completing the course. Most courses also have elective units, which you can choose from to suit your needs and interests. Not all training providers offer every elective, so check with your provider to find out which electives they can offer you.
For more information about course content, talk to your training provider or visit the National Training Register.
| Unit | Unit type |
|---|---|
| Apply environmental procedures to rail infrastructure | Core |
| Apply fatigue management strategies | Core |
| Follow work health and safety procedures | Core |
| Maintain and use hand tools | Core |
| Participate in basic workplace communication | Core |
| Shift materials safely using manual handling methods | Core |
| Apply awareness of safeworking rules and regulations | Elective |
| Apply awareness of structures fundamentals | Elective |
| Apply awareness of tram or light rail track fundamentals | Elective |
| Apply rail grinding fundamentals | Elective |
| Apply safety critical communications in the rail environment | Elective |
| Apply track fundamentals | Elective |
| Apply WHS requirements, policies and procedures in the construction industry | Elective |
| Carry out basic levelling | Elective |
| Carry out concrete work | Elective |
| Carry out manual excavation | Elective |
| Carry out measurements and calculations | Elective |
| Carry out rail installation | Elective |
| Carry out routine maintenance of structures | Elective |
| Carry out track ballasting | Elective |
| Check and assess operational capabilities of equipment | Elective |
| Clean equipment and restore worksite | Elective |
| Conduct backhoe/loader operations | Elective |
| Conduct civil construction excavator operations | Elective |
| Conduct civil construction skid steer loader operations | Elective |
| Conduct civil construction tracked front end loader operations | Elective |
| Conduct civil construction wheeled front end loader operations | Elective |
| Conduct roller operations | Elective |
| Conduct water vehicle operations | Elective |
| Control traffic with stop-slow bat | Elective |
| Erect and dismantle restricted height scaffolding | Elective |
| Heat and cut materials using oxy-LPG equipment for the rail industry | Elective |
| Identify the principles of ballast cleaning operations | Elective |
| Identify the principles of ballast regulator operations | Elective |
| Identify the principles of dynamic track stabaliser operations | Elective |
| Identify the principles of mechanised track laying operations | Elective |
| Identify the principles of self-propelled rail grinder operations | Elective |
| Identify the principles of tamping machine operations | Elective |
| Implement traffic management plans | Elective |
| Install and maintain guard rails | Elective |
| Install and maintain rail bonding systems | Elective |
| Install and maintain surface track drainage | Elective |
| Install and repair fences and gates | Elective |
| Install and repair rail fastening systems | Elective |
| Install and repair temporary track supports | Elective |
| Install overhead wiring structure | Elective |
| Install railway sleepers | Elective |
| Maintain poles and associated hardware | Elective |
| Maintain rail joints | Elective |
| Measure and record track geometry | Elective |
| Operate elevating work platform | Elective |
| Operate minor mechanical equipment | Elective |
| Operate road/rail vehicle | Elective |
| Operate under track protection rules | Elective |
| Perform engineering measurements | Elective |
| Place and remove temporary speed restriction equipment | Elective |
| Propel and operate light on-track equipment | Elective |
| Read and interpret plans and job specifications | Elective |
| Recognise the impact of human capabilities/limitations on human performance in a rail environment | Elective |
| Safely access the rail corridor | Elective |
| Spread and compact materials manually | Elective |
| Travel medium or heavy self-propelled on-track equipment | Elective |
| Use explosive power tools | Elective |
| Use infotechnology devices in the workplace | Elective |
| Work effectively with others in a team | Elective |
| Work safely at heights | Elective |
Job prospects
The Certificate II in Rail Infrastructure sets you up for roles like these, but the skills you learn could take you even further.
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Metallurgical and Materials Technician
ANZSCO 312912
Metallurgical or Materials Technicians test materials as part of mineral and metal processing and refining, or for research into metals, ceramics, polymers and other materials in support of Metallurgists and Materials Engineers.
Recommended education level:
Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree -
Train Examiner
ANZSCO 599517
Train Examiners inspect rolling stock in railway yards, terminals and stations to ensure adherence to safety standards and operational rules and regulations.
Recommended education level:
Certificate II or III -
Railway Track Plant Operator
ANZSCO 721914
Railway Track Plant Operators operate plants to lay, align, repair and maintain railway tracks.
Recommended education level:
Certificate II or III -
Railway Track Worker
ANZSCO 821611
Railway Track Workers lay and repair tracks for railways, tramways, quarries and mines, and install and repair signals and other equipment.
Recommended education level:
Certificate II or III
Training providers delivering Certificate II in Rail Infrastructure
It's a good idea to research multiple training providers to make sure you're getting the right training for you.
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Centre For Excellence in Rail Training (RTO code 51333)
Government funding
- Skills Assure Supplier
Contact this provider
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Developing Personnel Training & Consultancy (RTO code 31888)
Government funding
- Skills Assure Supplier
Contact this provider
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Occupational Skills Centre Australia Pty Ltd (RTO code 32299)
Government funding
- Skills Assure Supplier
Contact this provider
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Training Professionals Pty Ltd (RTO code 31955)
Government funding
- Skills Assure Supplier
Contact this provider
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Yakka Training (RTO code 41176)
Government funding
- Skills Assure Supplier
Contact this provider
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Accell Pty Ltd (RTO code 32213)
Contact this provider
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Australia Western Railroad Pty Ltd (RTO code 50735)
Contact this provider
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Australian Testing Services Pty Ltd (RTO code 21642)
Contact this provider
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Calibre Training & Development Pty Ltd as Trustee for the Calibre Unit Trust (RTO code 32394)
Contact this provider
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GORAIL (RTO code 20812)
Contact this provider
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Halo Nation Training Pty Ltd (RTO code 32485)
Contact this provider
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Iron Training & Consulting (RTO code 52709)
Contact this provider
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QUEENSLAND RAIL LTD (RTO code 32294)
Contact this provider
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Railtrain Pty Ltd (RTO code 52221)
Contact this provider
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SDS Training (RTO code 32505)
Contact this provider
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Southern Cross Rail Training Pty Ltd (RTO code 90732)
Contact this provider
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THE INSTRUCTION COMPANY PTY LTD (RTO code 20928)
Contact this provider
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Train Me RTO Pty Ltd (RTO code 70228)
Contact this provider
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Training Ahead Aus (RTO code 45462)
Contact this provider
How to enrol in this course
To enrol, choose a training provider that offers this course. You can see provider details on this page.
When you find one that you think suits you, visit their website or contact them directly to confirm details like start dates, fees, funding, delivery locations and delivery options.
The provider will guide you through the enrolment process.
How do apprenticeships and traineeships work?
Apprenticeships and traineeships let you combine hands-on work experience with training. You’ll gain job-ready skills and earn an income while you complete a qualification.
As an apprentice or a trainee, you work with an employer while completing your training. Most of your time is spent learning on the job, with some classroom or online training to support the skills you're developing in the workplace.
For some jobs, you may need to do an apprenticeship or traineeship before you are allowed to work as a qualified tradesperson. For example, you need to do an apprenticeship if you want to work as a licensed electrician.
Find out more about apprenticeships and traineeships.
See more information about the apprenticeship or traineeship you’re interested in pursuing on the Queensland Training Information Service.
How long will this course take?
This course is competency-based training, which means you progress as you demonstrate your skills and knowledge, rather than in a set amount of time.
The duration shown here is an estimate for full-time study based on how long most people take to complete the course. You may finish earlier than other people, or it may take you a bit longer.
If you’ve already completed training or have worked in a relevant area, you could get credits or recognition of prior learning. This can reduce the training you need to complete a qualification, which could reduce the time needed for training.
Duration for apprenticeships and traineeships
Apprenticeships and traineeships take longer than doing the qualification on its own, but you learn valuable hands-on skills.
For some jobs, you may need to do an apprenticeship or traineeship before you are allowed to work as a qualified tradesperson. For example, you need to do an apprenticeship if you want to work as a licensed electrician.
Learn about how courses are delivered
Different courses have different delivery options. Consider your needs when you’re researching courses. Some courses may be delivered entirely online or partially online. Others may be delivered in a classroom.
Some courses, like those delivered through apprenticeships and traineeships, are mostly based in the workplace but with some classroom or online study.
If a certain type of delivery is important to you, talk to your provider before you enrol to make sure they offer that delivery option.
How to reduce the cost of your course
There are lots of ways you can reduce the cost of your course.
- The government could partly or fully cover the cost of your course. See information about financial help and government funding on this page.
- The government also offers funding for some costs related to your course.
- If you’ve already completed training or have worked in a relevant area, you could get a cost credit or recognition of prior learning. This can reduce the training you need to complete a qualification, which could reduce the cost.
Learn about financial help and government funding
The main cost of training is usually the course fees, which vary depending on things like which course and training provider you choose.
You may be able to get your training for free or at a reduced cost, or you could get help with paying for training-related costs. You can also pay for some courses with a VET Student Loan.
Find out more about getting help paying for your training or check if you're eligible.
What are entry requirements?
Some courses have conditions you need to meet before you can enrol in the course. They help make sure you have the right background or skills for the training.
Entry requirements might include a certain education level, skills or knowledge, work status, or experience.