What is the ARTC and How can you get a NSW rail job?

May 15, 2022

For those interested in a challenging and rewarding career in freight rail, there’s plenty of opportunities around Australia. One of the largest freight operators in the country is the ARTC, who operate freight services across huge distances in Australia.

The service currently employs thousands of Australians in well-paid and long-term roles around the country, including in New South Wales.

We get asked a lot about careers in the ARTC so we have compiled the most common questions with some answers for you. 

What is ARTC?

The Australian Rail Track Corporation (or ARTC) is a Government-owned corporation who currently operates the Australian freight network. This network covers over 5800 kilometers of rail freight networks through five states including New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland and Western Australia. 

What do I need to get an ARTC job?

Depending on the role you are interested in there eight be a range of requirements and certifications you will need to find ARTC jobs in NSW and other states. The ARTC offers apprenticeships to school leavers where no previous experience is required. For more skilled positions in roles like Handsignaller, ARTC Protection Officer or Track Examiner there are a range of certifications you will need to act in those positions. You can explore courses for these types of roles on CERT.

Eligibility for many roles require completion of Language Literacy & Numeracy (LL&N) assessment as well as a Category 1 Rail Medical. CERT can help candidates to complete their Category 1 Rail Medical to help you find a job with the ARTC too. 

Additional requirements may include your Work Safely in the Construction Industry (CPCCWHS1001) assessment, commonly known as your White Card. Also, completion of course for Safely Accessing the Rail Corridor or the ARTC National Track Safety Awareness (NTSA) assessment.

What are popular roles with the ARTC?

Some of the most popular and challenging roles with ARTC include

  • Apprenticeships
  • Handsignaller
  • ARTC Protection Officer
  • Track Examiner
  • Construction Leads
  • Infrastructure roles
  • Drivers

How can I find railway jobs in NSW with the ARTC?

You can find roles with the ARTC in your state through the ARTC website careers centre. For New South Wales railways jobs applicants you can also find free roles in major cities, or regional areas, through the website. It’s important to make sure you have the correct certifications, medicals and other requirements to apply for the roles you are most interested in.

What will I learn with CERT?

CERT offers a range of ARTC approved and certified courses that each applicants a range of the skills and safety lessons they will need for a long and successful career on the railways. At the basic level many courses cover the necessary safety regulations you will need to keep yourself and others safe around the railways, including: 

  • Access rail track to travel track vehicles
  • Apply safeworking rules and regulations
  • Operate stand alone signalling points
  • Identify and respond to track signals and signs

Final Thoughts

If you’re considering a career in the railway industry then you must have the appropriate certifications and medicals to operate safely and get started. Once you have these you can work safely on railways around Australia, including the ARTC. 

Rail careers can be lucrative, exciting and challenging, and will take you many different places. Get your career and earnings on the right track, speak to CERT today about getting yourself prepared for a rail career.