News

Competency Australia's latest group of signalling trainees have recently commenced their studies in UEE41211 - Certificate IV in Electrical - Rail Signalling.  This nationally recognised qualification provides signal electricians and signal technicians with the knowledge and skills needed to start their careers.

Having completed the induction course, introductory signalling principles, and modules in installation and power supplies, over the next 15 months the group will study all aspects of railway signalling.  Future modules include cable jointing, points, train detection, signals, train protection equipment, level crossings, relay interlockings and computer based interlockings (CBI) systems as well as telemetry systems, testing, fault finding and signal safeworking. 

Pictured (left to right) are : Andrew O'Brien, Daniel Kelly, Samuel Lines, Travis Langford, Dylan Peace and Jake Fenner. 

Competency Australia delivers this course at our purpose built training centre at Broadmeadow NSW (near Newcastle).  Our training courses combine classroom learning with practical application in the training centre.

Enrolments are closed for 2017.  To find out more or enrol for 2018, please Contact Us.  This course is open to those with experience in signalling as well as those who have not worked in the rail signalling environment previously.  

We also deliver private courses to groups on demand, and each of the signalling modules can be delivered as a stand-alone course. 

The nationally recognised qualification UEE41211 - Certificate IV in Electrical - Rail Signalling provides signal electricians and signal technicians with the knowledge and skills needed to start their careers.

Competency Australia delivers this course at our purpose built training centre at Broadmeadow NSW (near Newcastle).

Enrolments are now open for 2017 - get in quick to avoid disappointment!  To find out more or enrol, please Contact Us

Training commences on the 27th February, 2017.  This nationally recognised, hands-on, Certificate IV qualification will provide you with the knowledge and skills required to work as a signal electrician or signal technician in the rail environment.  This course is open to those with experience in signalling as well as those who have not worked in the rail signalling environment previously. 

Looking to take the next step with your career in rail?  Then TLI50615 - Diploma of Rail Operations Management could be for you!

Whether you are looking to progress into management, formalise your experience with a nationally recognised qualification or just further your knowledge of the railway environment, this course is for you!

Our past students include network controllers, train drivers, risk and safety specialists, rail safety investigators, telecommunications and signalling professionals. 

The course is delivered via distance education over a 12 month period.  There are no formal pre-requisites for the course, however applicants are required to be working in the railway industry. 

Our next intake commences on the 19th June - please contact us now to secure your place. 

What Do Our Learners Say?

"The course gave me an opportunity to research, translate and process the fundamental principles of what it takes to achieve reliable rail operations safely. The course tutors always made themselves available and were very approachable.  I found the course challenging, informative and relevant whilst applying current railway industry best practice."

“You made the course enjoyable and it did not feel like just reading notes and answering questions. I have learnt a lot about rail operations and definitely see the value in this course.”

“The course gave me a holistic view of rail operations and how every discipline of rail applies to operations.  It has broadened my view and understanding of Rail Operations.”

More Information

For more information, download our information booklet. 

To register, complete and return an enrolment form. 

Nathan Hines, Drew Cassar and Ryan Bulman reflect on their learning experience.

Nathan Hines – Sydney Trains

Nathan was the first to graduate with a Diploma of Rail Operations Management with Competency Australia, completing the course in 2015.  Nathan is currently employed as a train driver for Sydney Trains, and is a devoted father of three young children.

On receiving his Diploma, Nathan said :

“I am ecstatic with this result and I cannot thank you and Brett enough for helping me throughout the course.

“I could not of achieved the result without all of your support and tutoring. You made the course enjoyable and it did not feel like just reading notes and answering questions. I have learnt a lot about rail operations and definitely see the value in this course.”

Sydney Trains Program Director Future Operations Paul Doherty presenting Nathan with his Diploma.

Drew Cassar – BHP Billiton

Since joining the rail industry in the 1990s, Drew has had the opportunity to experience a variety of roles ranging from infrastructure repair and maintenance, Rail Operations roles and employee supervision and development.  Drew is currently employed in the Mining industry ensuring safe operation on the BHP Billiton Heavy Haul Iron Ore rail network.

As part of BHP Billiton’s commitment to developing their people and as part of their culture journey Drew sourced the opportunity to study the Diploma of Operations Management through Competency Australia.  With the assistance of Kristian Ravn, Gary Crowther and the Train Control Team, Drew completed this training in order to gain the skills to step up to act in the position of Superintendent Train Control.

Drew is shown receiving his Diploma from BHP Billiton's Manager Logistics Control, Kristain Ravn.  

Ryan Bulman – Queensland Rail

New Zealand born Ryan Bulman successfully completed the Diploma of Rail Operations Management course in early 2016.  Having previously acquired a Certificate IV in Rail Network Control, Ryan undertook the Diploma with Competency Australia for his own interest and self development.  

A Network Train Controller for Queensland Rail, Ryan works in the Brisbane urban area.  The course further developed his previous experience and training in the areas of rail safety, risk management and operations. 

About the course, Ryan said:

“The course gave me a holistic view of rail operations and how every discipline of rail applies to operations.  It has broadened my view and understanding of Rail Operations.”

Brett Doak – Primary Course Tutor 

Brett Doak is Competency Australia’s primary tutor for the Diploma of Rail Operations Management.  Brett has close to 40 years experience delivering Workplace Health and Safety, Railway Safety and Railway Operations solutions to the railway industry. 

About the course, Brett said: 

“Working with the wide and very interesting range of students undertaking the Diploma of Rail Operations Management course is a very enjoyable and satisfying experience.  Not only does it enable me to assist and support their learning, it also provides me with much satisfaction and achievement when they successfully complete the course and use their learnings to the benefit and development of their own railway careers, and indeed, the betterment of the Australian railway industry. 

I strongly urge all organisations and individuals involved in the Australian railway industry to encourage and support those individuals who wish to undertake the Diploma of Rail Operations Management course.”

Looking to take the next step with your career in rail?  Then TLI50615 - Diploma of Rail Operations Management could be for you!

Whether you are looking to progress into management, formalise your experience with a nationally recognised qualification or just further your knowledge of the railway environment, this course is for you!

Our past students include network controllers, train drivers, risk and safety specialists, rail safety investigators, telecommunications and signalling professionals. 

The course is delivered via distance education over a 12 month period.  There are no formal pre-requisites for the course, however applicants are required to be working in the railway industry. 

Our next intake commences on the 20th Feb - please contact us now to secure your place. 

What Do Our Learners Say?

"The course gave me an opportunity to research, translate and process the fundamental principles of what it takes to achieve reliable rail operations safely. The course tutors always made themselves available and were very approachable.  I found the course challenging, informative and relevant whilst applying current railway industry best practice."

“You made the course enjoyable and it did not feel like just reading notes and answering questions. I have learnt a lot about rail operations and definitely see the value in this course.”

“The course gave me a holistic view of rail operations and how every discipline of rail applies to operations.  It has broadened my view and understanding of Rail Operations.”

More Information

For more information, download our information booklet. 

To register, complete and return an enrolment form. 

The nationally recognised qualification UEE41211 - Certificate IV in Electrical - Rail Signalling provides signal electricians and signal technicians with the knowledge and skills needed to start their careers.

Competency Australia delivers this course at our purpose built training centre at Broadmeadow NSW (near Newcastle).  The next course, starting in May 2016 is now fully booked.  We are sorry if you were unable to get a place in this session.  Please contact us to register for the next course.

The nationally recognised qualification UEE41211 - Certificate IV in Electrical - Rail Signalling provides signal electricians and signal technicians with the knowledge and skills needed to start their careers.

Competency Australia delivers this course at our purpose built training centre at Broadmeadow NSW (near Newcastle).

Enrolments are closing soon for 2017.  To find out more or enrol, please Contact Us

Training commences on the 27th February, 2017.  This nationally recognised, hands-on, Certificate IV qualification will provide you with the knowledge and skills required to work as a signal electrician or signal technician in the rail environment.  This course is open to those with experience in signalling as well as those who have not worked in the rail signalling environment previously. 

Competency Australia is the Gala Dinner Sponsor for the Institution of Railway Signal Engineers (IRSE) Australasia major conference in Adelaide on 8th April this year.  The theme of the conference is "Smart Technologies - The Way Forward".

Competency Australia CEO Jeanette Aitken said:

"We are delighted to support this key industry event.  Our strong focus on railway signal training is aligned with the IRSE approach to professional development."

For details of the IRSE meeting see irse.org.au.

Become a signalling tester or formalise your signal testing skills with our hands-on course for signal maintainers and installers.

This course provides you with the skills required to carry out standard signalling tests required during installation, commissioning and maintenance activities.

Along with robust theoretical training components you will have the opportunity to practice your skills on a live signalling systems. 

Previous providers have supplied class-room only training, with no practical component, leaving individuals lacking confidence in the application of their newly attained knowledge.  We ensure that all students have the opportunity to test and fault-find in a safe and supportive environment.

Signal Testing is a 3-day course. Training and assessment includes classroom and practical activities.

Topics Covered

Topics covered include :

• Visual Inspections
• Correlation
• Wire/Null Counts
• Continuity Testing (Bell Testing)
• Earth Leakage Testing
• Insulation Resistance (Megger) testing
• Equipment function testing - points and track circuits
• Strap & Function testing
• Through testing

Assumed Knowledge

The course assumes a basic knowledge of signalling systems and principles.  Basic electrical knowledge is also assumed. 

Additional Requirements

Appropriate PPE, including safety boots, must be worn during all practical activities.

More Information

For more information, download our information booklet.

Places are strictly limited! To register, complete and return a booking form. 

Jeanette Aitken, the CEO of Competency Australia, is co-author of a research paper to be presented at the Institution of Railway Signal Engineers conference in Adelaide on 8 April 2016.  The paper, entitled "Lookout!" reviews the human factors aspects of Lookout Working in railways.  Written in conjunction with psychologist and human factors researcher Dr Anjum Naweed, the paper challenges some common views of lookout working.  After presentation the paper will be available for download on this site.