Canvas is accessible only within New Zealand and Australia.
Canvas is accessible only within New Zealand and Australia.
The rail programmes provide nationally recognised qualifications that combine workplace-based learning with operational and regulatory knowledge. They equip people with the skills to work in passenger, freight, or infrastructure roles across the rail sector. Training covers safe operation of rail systems, interpreting and complying with rail rules and procedures, communication, risk and emergency management, and coordination in rail yards, operations centres, or as train drivers. The two rail infrastructure programmes can be done indepentantly or as one apprenticeship.
Benefits of these programmes
Programmes available
Rail plays a crucial role in keeping New Zealand’s freight and passenger networks moving. From the yards where trains are assembled to the tracks they run on, the rail sector is all about safety, teamwork, precision, and keeping goods and people flowing smoothly.
It’s a hands-on industry where every shift contributes to the efficient movement of the country’s supply chain. Rail offers structured, stable work with clear pathways to grow your career — including opportunities to progress into specialised operations or even train driving.
What do people in rail do?
Rail roles vary depending on the site and operation, but may include:
Most roles involve shift work and are based outdoors or in mixed indoor/outdoor rail yard environments.
Is rail right for you?
Study areas in school that help
Attributes that help you succeed
Helpful experience
Preferred work environments
Pathways into rail
Subjects like English, maths, physics, engineering, technology, or PE provide a solid grounding for rail operations.
Entry-level opportunities
You can start your rail career through a traineeship or apprenticeship in roles such as:
Rail qualifications
Learners can complete the Rail Yard Operations and Train Driver qualifications separately — or combine them into a full apprenticeship.
Graduates will be able to:
We can provide training plans, support and qualifications – tailored to your businesses specific needs.
We partner with key employers from the sector like KiwiRail and Transdev, and members of your industry to build skilled employees. We work towards providing continued support to ensure your industry’s qualifications continue to meet needs and celebrating your learners’ success.
These qualifications are for people looking to move into or already employed in the rail transport industry, both passenger and freight. The skills and training needed depend on the area you want to specialise in.
