Freight Rail, Workforce, Certification & Training

Pacific National launches new train driver program

Pacific National has launched a new program to train freight train drivers, with the first 25 recruits from regional Queensland soon to begin.

The pilot training program drew the first batch of candidates — with backgrounds in range of industries, including property management, warehousing, hospitality and nursing — from the Townsville, Mackay, Rockhampton and Bowen regions.

President of Pacific National’s coal division, Brett Lynch, said the group were selected following a comprehensive recruitment process including interviews, mechanical aptitude and safety testing, and other assessments.

“With an aging workforce of drivers around the country, Pacific National is investing in training the next generation of qualified drivers in Queensland to ensure we can keep pace with the forecast growth in demand for freight,” Lynch said.

“Safety is paramount when you’re driving a freight train up to 1.5-kilometre-long loaded with freight, which is why Pacific National selected the final recruits based on testing and behavioural aptitude.”

Queensland’s transport minister Mark Bailey applauded Pacific National’s effort to train new freight train drivers, and called the program a “fantastic boost” for regional employment.

“Queensland’s regional freight network is the backbone of the state’s economy, sustaining our export industry, and it’s tremendous to see more traineeships and jobs in our regions, connecting freight with our ports in Townsville and Mackay,” Bailey said.

“This investment by Pacific National will give 25 locals from regional Queensland a nationally recognised qualification and put them on the right track to an exciting new career in rail.”

The training program will begin in early July and will run for 12 months, with the recruits to be based at sites in Gracemere, Townsville, Bowen and Coppabella. After completing the course, the recruits will be awarded a Certificate IV qualification in train driving.