Train driver recruitment progressing at Queensland Rail

More than 230 driver candidates have passed the first stage of testing, as recruitment is fast-tracked to boost Queensland Rail’s traincrew numbers and restore services.

Transport Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said applicants for the new traincrew positions are progressing through testing to ensure they are the right candidates for the safety-critical roles.

“Queensland Rail now has 231 driver and 227 guard candidates who have passed the first stage of testing to become a trainee driver or guard,” Mr Hinchliffe said.

“The Palaszczuk Government has the highest expectations when it comes to the delivery of frontline services, which is why we doubled Queensland Rail’s recruitment target, announcing an additional 100 drivers and 100 guard positions to ensure we have enough traincrew to deliver the services the travelling public deserves.

“Before the Palaszczuk Government lifted the LNP’s recruitment freeze, announcing 100 new drivers and 100 new guards in December 2015, the last major recruitment drive was five years ago in 2011 under Labor.”

Mr Hinchliffe said the latest round of recruitment is a key plank in the Queensland Government’s five-point plan to restore rail services in south-east Queensland.

“I am determined to address the challenges facing Queensland Rail to ensure the high quality delivery of services to the travelling public,” Mr Hinchliffe said.

“We know this is a big task, overcoming a legacy of insufficient recruitment, but that is why the Palaszczuk Government is investing in jobs to ensure we have the numbers of new drivers and guards required to run Queensland Rail’s network.

“Getting more qualified drivers and guards trained and out on the network is the key to any increase in services and with 231 driver and 227 guard candidates now passed initial psychometric testing they will move to the next phase of testing.”

Mr Hinchliffe said panel interviews began last week on 21 November and psychomotor testing is now underway to tests candidates’ situational awareness, reaction time, visual coordination, stress recovery and speed and trajectory judgement.

“Safety is the number one priority and the selection process has to be rigorous to make sure we have the highest quality drivers and guards on the rail network,” Mr Hinchliffe said.

“Train drivers are responsible for the lives of hundreds of passengers, so it is critical we secure the right people with the right talent for this job.”

From the December 2015 recruitment drive for 100 new drivers and 100 new guards, 63 new guards and 58 new drivers are now booked in training schools with a further 26 driver and nine guard candidates progressing to schools. Candidates from this latest recruitment round will be considered for available positions.

Queensland Rail received 394 applications for a trainee driver position and 505 applications to be a trainee guard in the latest round of recruitment.

Internal applicants generally take less time to qualify as drivers and guards, as they already have existing competencies and a knowledge of the network and safety requirements.

If Queensland Rail are unable to fill all positions from the existing applications they will assess the capacity and ability of external applicants.

VNR footage for overlay:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ASCJqIUSTPw&feature=youtu.be

Media Contact: 0475 950 772