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Useful experience for train drivers includes:

• physical work in a setting where safety is important
• work in a shunting yard or other train-related work
• mechanical or engineering work.

Train drivers may do some or all the following:

• drive trains, either in cabs or with remote controls
• keep to schedules, and stop at stations to pick up or drop off passengers
• link and unlink carriages and wagons
• drive a locomotive (train engine) or use remote controls to shunt (push or pull) carriages and wagons to make up new trains
• check locomotives
• read about maintenance work happening on the tracks they drive on, and any rule changes
• operate points (levers that switch tracks)
• communicate with train control, other drivers and shunters, and passengers
• prepare documents about wagon loads
• act promptly and comply with safety rules during emergencies or breakdowns
• identify and fix or report faults with their equipment.

Demand for train drivers average, but expected to increase

Opportunities for train drivers are average because a number of train drivers are retiring, which creates vacancies, but competition for positions is high.

However, opportunities for train drivers are expected to increase in the long term. This is because the 2018-27 Government Policy Statement on Land Transport includes up to $400 million for rail improvements, including more commuter rail services and more rail freight trips.

According to the Census, 1,134 train drivers worked in New Zealand in 2018.

Most train driver work is in Auckland and Wellington

Your chances of getting train driver work are best in Auckland and Wellington, which have major freight depots and urban commuter networks.

The Auckland City Rail Link will increase demand for train drivers in Auckland as it will extend the network and allow more trains to travel on all lines. One hundred new train drivers will be needed.

KiwiRail recruits train drivers in Hamilton, Palmerston North and Christchurch for freight operations.

Shunter opportunities limited

Shunters, who shift (shunt) carriages and wagons using trains or remote controls, tend to leave the role after a short time because the role is physically demanding.

However, the occupation is small so it can still be difficult to secure a position.

Two employers of train drivers

Train drivers work for:

• KiwiRail – driving freight and long-distance passenger trains
• Transdev – driving local Auckland and Wellington commuter trains.

KiwiRail

careers@kiwirail.co.nz - www.kiwirail.co.nz

Transdev

www.transdev.co.nz

Experienced train drivers may move into managerial or training roles. They may also progress to become station managers or train controllers.

Train drivers need to be:

• safety-conscious
• able to stay alert for long periods while working alone
• punctual
• able to think ahead and anticipate problems
• able to stay calm under pressure and in emergencies
• good communicators, in person and by radio.