Railway Shunter Courses
Railway Shunters prepare trains for service by managing carriages and conducting safety checks while ensuring timely train movements.
AI Exposure
Low
Core skills such as social intelligence and complex physical tasks remain beyond the capabilities of current AI.
AI exposure data adapted from Felten, Raj & Seamans (2021). Shortage data sourced from Jobs and Skills Australia (2024).
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How do I become a Railway Shunter
Get qualified to work as a Railway Shunter with a course recognised across Australia. Speak to a training provider to learn more.
TLI23221
Get a job in the railway shunting yard with the TLI23221 Certificate II in Shunting. This nationally recognised training course will help you get a job as a shunter or terminal operator. The course covers: operation fundamentals in rail sidings, rail corridor access safety, shunting rolling stock, operating signals and point control equipment, critical safety communication skills, fatigue management, emergency response procedures, and much more. Enquire now for the full list of study units, rail shunting ...
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TLIF0008
The TLIF0008 Apply Safety Critical Communications in the Rail Environment equips students with the essential skills and knowledge required for effective safety-critical communications in the rail sector. This training is vital for rail safety workers, ensuring they can communicate accurately and respond appropriately to operational situations.
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TLI32821
Study mode
Blended, On Campus
Get a job on the railways with the TLI32821 Certificate III in Rail Operations. This nationally recognised certificate is the course you need to become a railway signaller, yard or terminal coordinator. The course covers: critical safety communications, rail corridor access and safety, fatigue management, workplace documentation, local incident response procedures. Choose electives to support your job role in either yard coordination or signalling. Enquire now for the full list of entry requirements, rail...
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Study mode
Blended, On Campus
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TLI33221
Get a job in the railyards as a terminal train driver with the TLI33221 Certificate III in Terminal Train Driving. This nationally recognised certificate will teach you how to prepare trains and locomotives for trips and includes basic train driving skills. The course covers: applying critical communications for rail safety, using fatigue management strategies, carrying out roll-by inspections, conducting full train examinations, testing brakes, working in yards and rail sidings, shunting rolling stock, a...
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Common questions
How much does a Railway Shunter earn?
In Australia, a full time Railway Shunter generally earns $1,095 per week ($56,940 annual salary) before tax. This is a median figure for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only. As you gain more experience you can expect a potentially higher salary than people who are new to the industry.
What are the job opportunities for a Railway Shunter?
This industry has experienced a drop in employment numbers over the last five years. There are currently 1,100 people working in this field in Australia and many of them specialise as a Railway Shunter. Railway Shunters may find work across all regions of Australia, particularly larger towns and cities.
Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights
How do I become a Railway Shunter?
A Certificate II in Shunting is an ideal qualification if you’re planning a career as a Railway Shunter. This course will prepare you to work in rail operations in yards or sidings. You’ll cover a range of topics including using communication systems, applying fatigue management strategies, shunting rolling stock and applying safety procedures at remote and rural rail sites.
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More information
A Railway Shunter assists with the movement of trains in a railway yard. You might get trains ready for service by removing or attaching carriages or carrying out safety inspections. Railway Shunters might ensure trains are on correct platforms at the beginning of their route. You might work with passenger or freight trains, or work in a specialised industry such as mining.
Railway Shunters must have excellent observational skills and need to be able to work to correct procedures. It’s important you can work to a schedule and may have to manage several tasks at one time. Railway Shunters should have strong communication skills and be able to work well in a team environment.
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