New Zealand Certificate in Rail Operations (Train Driver)

The purpose of this qualification is to provide the New Zealand Rail Industry with personnel who have the skills and knowledge required to drive trains on the rail network.

The qualification is intended for persons wishing to enter the rail industry or people already working in the industry who want to move to a train driver role.

Graduates will be capable of working independently under broad guidance to drive trains on the rail network.

Graduates of the Electrical Multiple Unit (EMU) strand will be able to operate passenger services on the electrified urban networks.

Graduates of the Locomotive strand will be able to operate locomotive-hauled services across the wider network.

Graduates of this qualification will be able to:

• Obtain, interpret and communicate information required for the safe and efficient operation of the train
• Interpret and comply with rail operator rules, signals, train running systems and standard operating procedures
• Work safely when in or near the rail corridor to protect self and others
• Apply detailed knowledge of route features, their risks and implications for drivers to ensure the safe operation of the train

Graduates of the Electric Multiple Unit strand will also be able to:

• Prepare an EMU for service and conduct end of shift procedures
• Implement emergency procedures and conduct passenger evacuations
• Operate an EMU in various combinations across a range of routes and different environmental conditions.

Graduates of the Locomotive strand will also be able to:

• Inspect and prepare a mainline locomotive for service and conduct end of shift procedures
• Operate a mainline locomotive across a range of routes, environmental conditions and loadings.