Queensland Rail will hire around 86 new graduates, apprentices and trainees across the state in the next 12 months as part of Queensland’s rail revolution from the Gold Coast to Mount Isa.
A recruitment drive is also underway for hundreds of train crew as Queensland Rail prepares for the integration of Cross River Rail into the South East Queensland network, with positions opened to internal candidates before recruiting externally.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said her government’s rail revolution including delivering projects like Cross River Rail to get the south east transport network ready for the 2032 Olympics and Paralympics Games is delivering a jobs bonanza to the State.
“Queensland’s biggest infrastructure project is not only creating jobs, it’s creating trainee and apprentice opportunities to make sure our workforce has the skills they need for the future,” the Premier said.
“450 apprentice and training opportunities will be supported by Cross River Rail, with 328 already registered with the project.
“This is an exciting time for students and trainees, and the rail industry more broadly.”
The Premier said Queensland Rail was also undertaking one of the largest graduate intakes in its history.
“31 engineering, IT and business graduates will join the Queensland Rail team as we deliver more tracks, more trains and better services to Queenslanders” the Premier said.
“Better yet, as many as 55 apprentices and traineeship opportunities will be offered across a number of trades to build a new generation of railway workers.
“That’s a total of 86 new apprentices and graduates across the whole of Queensland, to boost the technical and trade workforce as we deliver major rail projects across the state.”
An open day will be held 8:30am-3pm Saturday 10 September at the Queensland Rail Training Centre of Excellence, SkillsTech Acacia Ridge, for prospective apprentice and graduate candidates.
The Premier said the addition of Cross River Rail’s twin tunnels meant more train crew will be needed.
“That’s why Queensland Rail is hiring over 500 train crew (drivers and guards) before the inception of Cross River Rail, and upping the number of trainees, apprentices and graduates working on the rail network,” the Premier said.
Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey said the Palaszczuk Government is backing good, secure job opportunities in Queensland.
“I am proud of the commitment by my department to connect students and trainees with good jobs,” he said.
“Strong graduate and training programs reward the hard work of our young people and give them hands on experience in the field.
“The Cross River Rail project has clocked over 1.3 million training hours already as we upskill the next generation of construction workers, engineers and more.
“And we’re creating more jobs for Queensland Rail workers, particularly for existing staff to upskill into.
“This is in stark contrast to the savage cuts under the Newman LNP Government, where 1,700 Queensland Rail workers were sacked.”
Mr Bailey said Queensland Rail was looking for talented and diverse applicants, whether it be those seeking to change careers later in life, mothers returning to the workforce or young people who are just starting out.
“We know we need 210 new train drivers and 332 train guards to provide a quality public transport service when Cross River Rail comes into operation, which is why we’re starting the training and recruitment work now,” Mr Bailey said.
James, a Trainee Concreter with East Coast Concreting, is working on Cross River Rail station sites.
His greatest achievement on the project so far is getting the job done and learning new skills every day.
“[Looking forward to] getting the job over the line in a safe, management way and travelling to AFL games using Cross River Rail trains,” James said.
Queensland Rail also supports approximately 340 people involved in training and education across all areas of the organisation including supervisors, support, and training staff.
To apply for positions with Queensland Rail, visit the Queensland Rail careers website.
