AustralianCourses
Career pathway

Train Controller

ANZSCO 712918

Employed

1,300

Part-time share

7%

Female share

18%

Median age

45 yrs

Source: Jobs and Skills Australia · ABS 2021 Census of Population and Housing.

Salary and some workforce figures are suppressed for this occupation because Jobs and Skills Australia / the ABS do not publish estimates for small populations (typically fewer than 50 employed people) or because the figures have been perturbed for privacy. They are shown as unavailable rather than zero.

About this career

Train Controllers oversee the safe movement of trains using computerised train control signalling systems.

What they typically do

  • Authorises and direct movements of trains.
  • Communicates with locomotive engineers to ensure safe movements of trains.
  • Familiarises themselves with the weight, length and schedules of trains.
  • Records movement of trains including departures and scheduled stops.
  • Provides other train controllers with information on trains progress.
  • Authorises and controls any activity taking place on railway tracks, including maintenance work.
  • Contacts relevant personal to deal with faults or mechanical failures.
  • Reports any accidents or incidents to the land transport authority and any other relevant body such as emergency services.

States and territories

Share of workers by location

NSW
30.9%
QLD
26.8%
VIC
19%
WA
15.7%
SA
6.4%
TAS
0.7%
NT
0%
ACT
0%

Qualification pathways

These accredited qualifications can lead to a career as a Train Controller.