Pathways to a Career in Rail with UGL Regional Linx (UGLRL) Safeworking Training

Since 2022, the UGL Regional Linx (UGLRL) has managed and delivered operations and maintenance of rail infrastructure for the NSW Country Regional Network (CRN), ensuring it remains safe, well-maintained, and operational for rail passengers and freight operators alike.

The CRN network includes over 5,000 kilometres of both non-operational lines, operational passenger and freight rail lines.

The Country Regional Network ensures that regional and rural NSW communities are safely connected to metropolitan centres across the state, and links Sydney with many important regional centres.

The network’s geography extends from Tocumwal in the south to Crabbes Creek in the north—a distance exceeding 1,100 kilometres. This vast coverage highlights the critical importance of robust safeworking protocols to manage the diverse challenges of rail operations.

Supported by eight strategically located depots and offices, the Country Regional Network caters to operators transporting coal, grain, cotton, minerals, and containerised freight to both domestic and international markets.

The Critical Role of Safeworking in the NSW Country Regional Network

Safeworking forms the backbone of rail operations, ensuring the safe movement of over 20,000 train services annually across the network.

Professionals in this field enforce strict safety protocols and procedures to protect lives and uphold the integrity and reliability of the rail network.

Their responsibilities range from coordinating track access and managing train movements to maintaining communication systems and ensuring compliance with safety standards

The importance of this work was underscored in 2022, when severe weather events, including flooding and washaways, caused significant damage to the Country Regional Network’s tracks and infrastructure.

Thanks to the dedication of UGL Regional Linx’s teams and their strong safety culture, all repair work on operational lines was completed without incident—a testament to the network’s robust safeworking framework.

UGL Regional Linx has also made a strong commitment to local and indigenous employment, furthering its commitment to regional NSW railways.

Responsibilities and Challenges in Safeworking

The responsibilities of safeworking professionals are as varied as the CRN itself.

These include implementing heat patrols during periods of extreme temperatures to monitor and protect track conditions, as well as adjusting operations to maintain safety through speed restrictions and other measures.

Safeworking professionals navigate a dynamic and demanding environment, thus they should be equipped to assess risks, manage emergencies, and coordinate with various stakeholders to maintain operational safety.

These roles demand precision, adaptability, and a thorough understanding of rail operations, making them both demanding and rewarding.

Skills Needed for a Career in Safeworking with UGL Regional Linx

A career in safeworking requires strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work effectively under pressure.

Communication is paramount, as professionals often liaise with diverse teams to ensure smooth operations.

Technical knowledge of rail systems, safety protocols, and equipment is essential, along with a commitment to ongoing learning and professional development. This highlights the importance of comprehensive training aligned with the operational needs of the CRN.

A commitment to ongoing learning ensures that professionals remain adept at addressing the evolving demands of the rail industry.

Career Pathways in the Country Regional Network with UGL Regional Linx

Rail safeworking offers a clear path for career progression, starting with entry-level roles like Handsignallers and advancing to specialised positions such as Protection Officers or Track Vehicle Operators.

With experience and additional certifications, professionals can advance to leadership or specialist positions, contributing to the strategic management of rail safety and its future.

Certification and Competency Requirements

Certification is a critical step for aspiring safeworking professionals.

A valid Rail Industry Worker (RIW) card is required to work on the UGL Regional Linx-managed CRN and for many other rail network providers in Australia.

The RIW card is a physical card linked to your RIW profile. It allows network operators to quickly look into rail workers’ profiles at a moment’s notice and discover information like training records and certificates.

Completing the Safely Access the Rail Corridor (SARC) is required to secure this card.

The entry-level SARC course gives you the basic knowledge and skills required for safely entering, navigating and working in the rail corridor.

Students will often get their RIW card (account) set up as a result of doing this course so they can have their qualifications updated in their online RIW account.

Enrol at CERT’s SARC course in NSW here.

(NOTE: CERT does not issue RIW Cards. Learn more about how you can get your RIW Card here.)

UGL Regional Linx (UGLRL) Safeworking Training with CERT

CERT Training’s UGL Regional Linx (UGLRL) safeworking courses are designed to bridge theoretical knowledge with practical application.

Depending on the course, participants may spend one to five days in face-to-face training, followed by competency-based assessments to validate both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.

For instance, the Track Vehicle Operator course includes five days of in-person training, while Safeworking Level 1 and 2 courses involve two days each.

We can deliver our services at our NSW locations: Thornton, Chullora, and Wollongong, or we can arrange to deliver off-site at a location that is convenient for you.

Register for UGLRL Training here: UGL Regional Linx (UGLRL) Safeworking Training

Why Choose CERT Training?

CERT Training has established itself as a trusted provider of safeworking education, offering programs aligned with the unique demands of the CRN.

Flexible training options, industry-leading instructors, and a commitment to excellence make CERT the ideal choice for aspiring rail professionals.

By choosing CERT, individuals invest in a future of safety, reliability, and career growth in one of Australia’s most vital industries. From safeguarding train movements to maintaining the infrastructure that connects regional communities, safeworking is an indispensable part of rail operations.

For those ready to embrace the challenge, CERT Training provides the expertise and support needed to thrive in this critical field.

To enquire about our courses, contact us on 1300 042 3780 or click here to register for the right training for you.

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