ARTC online learning pilot program

With the COVID-19 pandemic shutting down most of what we know to be normal life, the rail industry breathed a sigh of relief when it was deemed an essential service. But the services rail networks provide within Australia are more than just essential, it has literally become a lifeline that runs across the country. That would all stop if workers were not capable and competent.

With new travel restrictions being introduced almost daily in late March, training providers needed to coordinate an alternative methodology of services to offer clients across Australia. Australia’s rail safety regulator ONRSR imposed extra guidelines surrounding the maintaining of competence and capacity of all on-track staff, especially in relation to Safeworking competence and verification.

As classroom-based learning became increasingly restricted for Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) employees, CERT State Managers Mark and Peter from Victoria and South Australia took a joint approach to work with Kirsten Stock from ARTC, to find a resolution to accommodate their remote workforces across the states.

CERT Management and other key stakeholders completed an internal procedure and it was determined online training would be the best alternative. The evidence gathered and information presented during recertification’s would not change, just the process of delivery. Mark, Peter and Kirsten set about designing and implementing an online learning strategy.

With the pilot program commencing in late March, ARTC employees have now completed a variety of Safeworking recertification’s for track protection and other various roles, as well as sign offs for employees whom have completed their on-job logbooks.

Feedback from students has been very positive and ARTC and CERT are continuing to discuss and assess other courses that may be partially delivered online to support employees’ ongoing training needs.

CERT Training NSW has also commenced online training with ARTC employees.

If you require innovative, cost-effective and compliant training and workforce solutions, contact CERT today