VET in Schools – Certificate II in Rail Fundamentals

All employment and training programs

About the program

With a forecast skills shortage over the next decade, we need young people to consider a career in the Australian rail industry.

The industry needs more rail workers in all roles, including customer service, train drivers, track workers, signalling engineers and construction workers to keep up with the current pace of infrastructure projects, especially in Victoria.

In an Australian first, a 2-year pilot program has begun for high school students with an interest in rail and construction.

By the end of the course, students will have the technical know-how to lay sections of rail track and use a model signalling system to control a train’s movement. Students will also benefit from the use of industry experts as guest speakers.

For more information about careers in rail, visit the Rail Academy website.

Certificate II in Heavy and Light Rail Fundamentals (pre-vocational)

Led by the Level Crossing Removal Project, the Victorian rail industry has worked together to develop an introductory rail qualification for high school students, known as Certificate II in Heavy and Light Rail Fundamentals (pre-vocational).

The purpose of this VET course is to provide students with basic knowledge and a realistic preview of the heavy (train) and light (tram) rail industry in Victoria.

Students will be taught in a combination of structured learning, self-directed learning and hands-on training in a simulated work environment.

The 2-year, part-time course will count towards a VCE qualification, and will provide students with a basic knowledge of the rail industry in Victoria.

This will enable students to make a more informed choice about future employment within an area of the industry that best suits their interest, capabilities and career aspirations.

Availability

Students must be prepared to attend theory and practical classes, with theory classes taking place at Hallam Senior College – 74 Frawley Rd, Hallam, and practical visits to the Rail Academy in Newport and other sites occurring up to twice a term.

The Rail Academy will advise as new providers for the Certificate II become available.

Fees

Fees for VET programs vary from school to school due to a range of factors.

Please contact your school’s VET coordinator to determine what fees you will need to contribute to undertake this program.

Duration

Students enrolled in year 10, 11 VCE/VCAL are encouraged to undertake 2 years part-time.

Contribution to VCAL/VCE

On successful completion of this program students will:

• (VCE) be eligible for units of credit towards their VCE Units 1 and 2 with a maximum credit on successful completion of the course in 4 VCE units.
• (VCAL) meet requirements of the Industry Specific Skills or Work-Related Skills strand of VCAL.
• (Qualification) be eligible for the award of 22537VIC Certificate II in Heavy and Light Rail Fundamentals (Pre-vocational).

Expression of interest

If you’re interested in the course, let your VET coordinator know. They can submit an expression of interest via email to railcareers@levelcrossings.vic.gov.au

The expression of interest must be submitted by the student’s home school VET coordinator (not the student or parent). We will send this on to the Training provider (RTO) and they will work with VET coordinators to discuss the student application and selection process.

Program video

Rail Academy

Further information

This program is run by Training for the Future through the Level Crossing Removal Project – a project office of Major Transport Infrastructure Authority delivering Victoria's Big Build.