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 qualification provides the skills and knowledge to work in the electrical supply industry (ESI) as a Rail Traction Lineworker.
This qualification covers the installation, maintenance and inspection of overhead poles/structures, conductors, cables and rail traction wiring systems, including associated equipment used in the rail traction industry. It also includes the maintenance of bonds and the operation of rail traction height access equipment.
The application of the skills and knowledge described within the units in this qualification may require a licence/registration to practice in the workplace.
Other conditions may also apply under state and territory legislative and regulatory licensing requirements which must be confirmed prior to commencing this qualification.
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Financial help
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Government funding is available for this course. Check your eligibility for:
*To be eligible for this funding, you have to do an apprenticeship.
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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
- Completing this course through an apprenticeship can help you to learn the skills you need.
This apprenticeship is available:
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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.
- Through apprenticeship:
4 years
- Through apprenticeship:
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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 requirements | Core |
| Apply work health and safety regulations, codes and practices in the workplace | Core |
| Fabricate, assemble and dismantle utilities industry components | Core |
| Install and maintain distribution overhead conductors and cables | Core |
| Install and maintain poles, structures and hardware | Core |
| Install overhead rail traction configurations | Core |
| Install overhead traction components and equipment | Core |
| Install rail traction bonds | Core |
| Install traction overhead wiring systems | Core |
| Licence to operate a boom-type elevating work platform (boom length 11 metres or more) | Core |
| Licence to perform dogging | Core |
| Licence to perform rigging basic level | Core |
| Maintain overhead rail traction configurations | Core |
| Maintain overhead traction components and equipment | Core |
| Maintain rail traction bonds | Core |
| Maintain traction overhead wiring systems | Core |
| Operate and maintain chainsaws | Core |
| Operate plant and equipment in the vicinity of live electrical apparatus | Core |
| Operate rail road height access plant near rail traction systems | Core |
| Solve problems in low voltage a.c. circuits | Core |
| Solve problems in magnetic and electromagnetic devices | Core |
| Solve problems in multiple path circuits | Core |
| Solve problems in single path circuits | Core |
| Test and verify rail traction installations | Core |
| Use drawings, diagrams, schedules, standards, codes and specifications | Core |
| Work safely in the vicinity of live electrical apparatus | Core |
| Control vegetation for powerline work | Elective |
| Inspect and test poles at and below ground level | Elective |
| Inspect overhead poles, structures and electrical apparatus | Elective |
| Install and maintain electrical apparatus | Elective |
| Licence to drive a heavy rigid vehicle | Elective |
| Licence to drive a medium rigid vehicle | Elective |
| Licence to operate a forklift truck | Elective |
| Licence to operate a slewing mobile crane (up to 20 tonnes) | Elective |
| Licence to operate a vehicle loading crane (capacity 10 metre tonnes and above) | Elective |
| Licence to perform rigging intermediate level | Elective |
| Maintain overhead energised low voltage distribution network | Elective |
| Perform rail traction switching operations to a given schedule | Elective |
| Perform substation switching operations to a given schedule | Elective |
| Treat poles | Elective |
Job prospects
The Certificate III in ESI - Rail Traction sets you up for roles like these, but the skills you learn could take you even further.
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Electrician (General)
ANZSCO 341111
Electricians (General) install, test, connect, commission, maintain and modify electrical equipment, wiring and control systems.
Recommended education level:
Certificate III or IV -
Electrical Linesworker
ANZSCO 342211
Electrical Linesworkers install, maintain, repair and patrol electrical sub-transmission and distribution systems.
Recommended education level:
Certificate III or IV
Training providers delivering Certificate III in ESI - Rail Traction
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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TAFE QUEENSLAND (RTO code 0275)
Government funding
- Skills Assure Supplier
Contact this provider
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Energy Skills Solutions (RTO code 52257)
Contact this provider
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RelyOn Australia Pty Ltd (RTO code 40754)
Contact this provider
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Training Ahead Aus (RTO code 45462)
Contact this provider
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Yakka Training (RTO code 41176)
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.