Queensland recruits on track to train for a new career in rail

Australia’s largest freight rail operator, Pacific National, has turned to regional Queensland to recruit and upskill the next generation of freight train drivers, creating 25 new jobs.

Transport Minister Mark Bailey visited Bowen today to meet some of the 25 new recruits selected to join Pacific National’s first trainee driver program, with applicants from the Townsville, Mackay, Rockhampton and Bowen regions.

“With thousands of kilometres of rail track across our state, training opportunities like this provide a fantastic boost for jobs in the regions,” Mr Bailey said. 

“Queensland’s regional freight network is the backbone of the state’s economy, sustaining our export industry, and it’s tremendous to see more traineeships and jobs in our regions, connecting freight with our ports in Townsville and Mackay.

“This investment by Pacific National will give 25 locals from regional Queensland a nationally recognised qualification and put them on the right track to an exciting new career in rail.”

President of Pacific National's coal division, Brett Lynch, said a diverse group of Queenslanders answered the call to join Pacific National’s new trainee driver program, with the first pool of 25 recruits selected following a comprehensive recruitment process including  interviews, mechanical aptitude and safety testing, and assessment.

“With an aging workforce of drivers around the country, Pacific National is investing in training the next generation of qualified drivers in Queensland to ensure we can keep pace with the forecast growth in demand for freight,” Mr Lynch said.

“Pacific National’s 24/7 operations are heavily invested in regional communities and this pilot training program is the first step towards ensuring we’re building skills in local communities to support and sustain Queensland’s rail freight future.” 

Mr Lynch said Pacific National received overwhelming interest from locals to be part of the pilot program with the new recruits coming from a range of different backgrounds and industries, from property management to warehousing, hospitality and even nursing.

“Approximately 30 per cent of the candidates selected are women, and with an average age of 35 years, the group is much younger than the current age profile of train drivers in Queensland,” he said.

“Safety is paramount when you’re driving a freight train up to 1.5-kilometre-long loaded with freight, which is why Pacific National selected the final recruits based on testing and behavioural aptitude.”

Pacific National’s competency-based trainee driver program will start on 2 July, with recruits based at four sites in regional Queensland - Gracemere, Townsville, Bowen and Coppabella. Recruits will be paid a full-time salary for duration of the nine to 12 month program and gain a Certificate IV qualification in train driving.

ENDS

Media contact: Dominic Geiger, 0447355565