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 qualification for a person engaged in the management of rail operations. This qualification requires the self-directed application of knowledge and skills, with substantial depth in some areas where judgement is required in planning and selecting appropriate equipment, services and techniques for self and others.
Application involves participation in developing strategic initiatives as well as personal responsibility and autonomy in performing or organising others to carry out complex technical operations. It may include participation in teams, including those concerned with planning and evaluation functions. Group or team coordination may be involved.
Job roles
Job roles and titles vary across different sectors. Possible job titles relevant to this qualification include:
- network controller
- passenger services manager
- rail freight manager
- rail maintenance manager
- rail operations manager.
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 rail communications systems | Core |
| Apply rail resource management principles | Core |
| Apply rail safeworking rules and procedures | Core |
| Manage change in the rail safety environment | Core |
| Manage rail assets and interfaces | Core |
| Manage work health and safety processes | Core |
| Respond to notifiable rail safety occurrences | Core |
| Use internal communication systems for rail industry regulatory compliance | Core |
| Apply business risk management processes | Elective |
| Apply knowledge of rail operation fundamentals in yards or sidings | Elective |
| Apply project procurement procedures | Elective |
| Control and coordinate incident responses | Elective |
| Coordinate workforce plan implementation | Elective |
| Develop and manage fitness for work policy and procedures | Elective |
| Develop plans for emergency response and recovery of rail networks | Elective |
| Ensure competency of rail safety workers | Elective |
| Ensure the safety of transport activities (Chain of Responsibility) | Elective |
| Identify and meet rail safety regulatory compliance requirements | Elective |
| Implement and maintain a rail safety culture | Elective |
| Implement and monitor environmental protection policies and procedures | Elective |
| Implement and monitor transport logistics | Elective |
| Implement workforce planning and succession strategies | Elective |
| Investigate rail safety incidents | Elective |
| Manage a contract | Elective |
| Manage a rail yard or terminal | Elective |
| Manage a supply chain | Elective |
| Manage assets | Elective |
| Manage budgets and financial plans | Elective |
| Manage fatigue management policy and procedures | Elective |
| Manage organisational customer service | Elective |
| Manage procurement risk | Elective |
| Manage rail freight operations | Elective |
| Manage rail network control systems | Elective |
| Manage rail passenger operations | Elective |
| Manage rail yard operations | Elective |
| Manage security awareness | Elective |
| Manage the impact of human capabilities/limitations on human performance in a rail environment | Elective |
| Manage train crewing and rostering | Elective |
| Manage train planning | Elective |
| Plan and coordinate protection for multiple worksites within limits of a work on track authority | Elective |
| Plan and implement maintenance schedules | Elective |
| Plan and manage security procedures for the enterprise | Elective |
| Roster train crews | Elective |
| Undertake a derailment investigation | Elective |
Job prospects
The Diploma of Rail Operations Management sets you up for roles like these, but the skills you learn could take you even further.
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Manufacturing Production Manager
ANZSCO 133512
Manufacturing Production Managers manage the manufacturing activities of organisations.
Recommended education level:
Bachelor degree or higher -
Fleet Manager
ANZSCO 149411
Fleet Managers manage the buying and selling of vehicles for rental agencies and coordinate the leasing of vehicles.
Recommended education level:
Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree -
Railway Station Manager
ANZSCO 149412
Railway Station Managers manage the operations of railway stations.
Recommended education level:
Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree -
Occupational Health and Safety Adviser
ANZSCO 251312
Occupational Health and Safety Advisers develop, implement and evaluate risk management policies and programs, train employees in occupational health and safety procedures, monitor and audit the workplace, and record and investigate incidents to ensure safe and healthy working conditions.
Recommended education level:
Bachelor degree or higher -
Network Administrator
ANZSCO 263112
Network Administrators install and maintain hardware and software, document diagnosis and resolution of faults, manage user passwords, security and inventory documentation, ensure the efficient performance of servers, printers and personal computers, and attend to other operational tasks. They may also perform tasks such as help desk support and user training.
Recommended education level:
Bachelor degree or higher -
Maintenance Planner
ANZSCO 312911
Maintenance Planners develop maintenance planning strategies, and schedule, coordinate and monitor the maintenance of all plant equipment.
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 Signal Operator
ANZSCO 712917
Railway Signal Operators control the movement of trains, and assemble and disassemble trains within a marshalling yard.
Recommended education level:
Certificate II or III -
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 -
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 -
Train Driver
ANZSCO 731311
Train Drivers drive trains to transport passengers and freight on railways.
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 -
Freight Handler (Rail or Road)
ANZSCO 891111
Freight Handlers (Rail or Road) load and unload freight trucks, containers and rail cars.
Recommended education level:
Certificate I or secondary education -
Railways Assistant
ANZSCO 899917
Railways' Assistants assist with operating and maintaining facilities at railway stations by updating platform indicators showing train times and destinations, collecting and checking passenger tickets, giving signals for train departures, and cleaning station facilities.
Recommended education level:
Certificate I or secondary education
Training providers delivering Diploma of Rail Operations Management
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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Competency Australia Pty Limited (RTO code 40647)
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.