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 terminal train driving.
This qualification requires the application of a broad range of knowledge and skills in varied contexts to undertake skilled work within a terminal train driving environment.
This qualification requires the skills and knowledge to:
- interpret and act on available information
- apply and communicate known solutions to a variety of predictable problems and to deal with unforeseen contingencies using known solutions
- provide technical information to a variety of specialist and non-specialist audiences
- undertake routine and some non-routine tasks in a range of skilled operations.
These skills and knowledge will be applied to known routines, methods, procedures and time constraints while taking responsibility for own outputs.
Job roles
Job roles and titles vary across different sectors. Possible job titles relevant to this qualification include:
- terminal operator
- terminal train driver
- yard terminal driver.
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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Government funding is not available for this course.
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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.
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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:
1–2 years
- 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 awareness of motive power unit fundamentals | Core |
| Apply fatigue management strategies | Core |
| Apply safety critical communications in the rail environment | Core |
| Apply safeworking rules and regulations to rail functions | Core |
| Operate a motive power unit within defined limits | Core |
| Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices | Core |
| Prepare train | Core |
| Stable a motive power unit | Core |
| Start up and shut down a single locomotive | Core |
| Apply awareness of dangerous goods and hazardous materials requirements | Elective |
| Apply awareness of railway fundamentals | Elective |
| Apply knowledge of rail operation fundamentals in yards or sidings | Elective |
| Apply local incident response procedures | Elective |
| Calculate mass, area and quantify dimensions | Elective |
| Carry out a train roll-by inspection | Elective |
| Carry out basic workplace calculations | Elective |
| Clip points and apply rail safety equipment | Elective |
| Close down rail traffic from autonomous operations | Elective |
| Conduct a general train examination | Elective |
| Conduct full train examination | Elective |
| Conduct pre-movement checks on motive power units | Elective |
| Conduct train roll-by inspection | Elective |
| Diagnose and rectify minor faults on motive power units and rolling stock | Elective |
| Operate a locomotive by portable remote control | Elective |
| Operate firefighting equipment | Elective |
| Operate stand alone signalling/point control equipment | Elective |
| Prepare for train departure | Elective |
| Process workplace documentation | Elective |
| Provide First Aid | Elective |
| Provision a motive power unit | Elective |
| Recognise the impact of human capabilities/limitations on human performance in a rail environment | Elective |
| Respond and rectify rail traffic autonomous operations | Elective |
| Safely access the rail corridor | Elective |
| Set up motive power units in multi-coupled consist | Elective |
| Set up rail traffic for autonomous operation | Elective |
| Shunt rolling stock | Elective |
| Shunt, couple and uncouple electric passenger trains | Elective |
| Shunt, couple and uncouple rail vehicles | Elective |
| Test train braking system | Elective |
| Use communications systems | Elective |
| Use infotechnology devices in the workplace | Elective |
Job prospects
The Certificate III in Terminal Train Driving sets you up for roles like these, but the skills you learn could take you even further.
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Train Controller
ANZSCO 712918
Train Controllers oversee the safe movement of trains using computerised train control signalling systems.
Recommended education level:
Certificate II or III -
Train Driver
ANZSCO 731311
Train Drivers drive trains to transport passengers and freight on railways.
Recommended education level:
Certificate II or III
Training providers delivering Certificate III in Terminal Train Driving
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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Australian Testing Services Pty Ltd (RTO code 21642)
Contact this provider
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Centre For Excellence in Rail Training (RTO code 51333)
Contact this provider
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THE INSTRUCTION COMPANY PTY LTD (RTO code 20928)
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.