Thousands of jobs are on offer across Australia in more than 80 careers in rail, including for students looking for a different pathway into the workforce other than university.
Australasian Railway Association (ARA) CEO Caroline Wilkie said with school over for the year, it was a perfect time to start an apprenticeship or entry-level role in the rail industry.
"The Australian rail workforce is facing severe workforce shortages, estimated at 70,000 by next year, which is further compounded by an ageing workforce," Ms Wilkie said.
"We are very keen to recruit young talent, including school leavers, to support an unprecedented $154 billion pipeline of rail projects across Australia over the next 15 years.
"There are so many exciting and rewarding career opportunities in the rail industry, and many of these roles are highly paid when compared with other sectors.
"I strongly encourage school leavers to consider applying for an entry-level job in rail if they are not planning to go to university."
Apprenticeships include heavy diesel mechanics, civil construction and electrical, with significant growth predicted for electrical-related roles. Entry-level trades salaries are as high as $108,000 for an electrical linesperson and $120,000 for a plant operator.
The Rail Workforce – An Analytical Overview released this week revealed 35 per cent of the Australian rail workforce would retire by 2035, with almost a third of train drivers aged over 55. It said rail offers more than 450 roles in six categories - operations, train movement, project management, engineering/infrastructure, corporate services, and trades/maintenance.
The ARA's Work in Rail website, launched in April this year, showcases careers in rail, expected remuneration, education and training pathways and jobs currently advertised.
