Rail

Rail

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

  • Nationally recognised qualifications built to industry standards
  • A blend of practical training and technical knowledge
  • Build skills in operating under rail operator rules, interpreting signals and route features, communication, and emergency response
  • Ability to perform roles in train driving, train managing, operations centre.

Qualifications 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.

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What do people in rail do?

Rail roles vary depending on the site and operation, but may include:

  • Applying safe work practices to all tasks in a rail yard
  • Communicating clearly with team members, drivers, and control teams
  • Performing shunting duties: assembling, connecting, and moving wagons
  • Operating yard signalling systems
  • Carrying out checks and inspections to ensure trains are fit for service
  • Supporting train movements and yard planning
  • Identifying and managing hazards in high-risk environments.

Most roles involve shift work and are based outdoors or in mixed indoor/outdoor rail yard environments.

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Sounds like you?

Study areas
  • English and communications
  • Maths and physics
  • Technology, engineering, or workshop-based subjects
  • Health and safety or outdoor education.
Attributes
  • Strong focus on safety and procedures
  • Good communication and teamwork
  • Physically fit with the ability to work on your feet
  • Confidence working around machinery and moving equipment
  • Calm under pressure and able to make sound decisions.
Helpful experience
  • Working with tools, equipment, or machinery
  • Outdoor or physical work
  • Roles requiring attention to detail and safety
  • Any job involving teamwork and coordination.
Preferred work environments
  • Outdoor or mixed outdoor/indoor settings
  • Structured, safety-focused work environments
  • Shift-based or rostered work.

Pathway

School
  • English
  • Maths and physics
  • Technology, engineering, or PE

Entry level jobs

You can start your rail career through a traineeship or apprenticeship in roles such as:

  • Rail operator
  • Shunter
  • Yard operations crew
  • Rail safety worker
  • Train driver trainee (via dedicated programmes).
Advancing jobs

With experience and training, rail workers may progress into roles such as:

  • Senior rail operator
  • Yard supervisor or coordinator
  • Rail safety advisor
  • Network or operations support roles
  • Qualified train driver

Senior jobs

Longer-term rail careers can lead to senior and leadership roles including:

  • Train driver (freight or passenger)
  • Rail operations manager
  • Network or terminal manager
  • Safety and compliance manager
  • Rail training or capability lead

FAQs

Related FAQs

Ready to get Started?

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.

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