National certificate in Rail Operation: Freight and/or passenger (Level 4)

The course

Are you drawn to the sight and sound of a locomotive chugging down the railtrack and wonder what it would be like to be in control of such a beast?

The National Certificate in Rail Operations involves three months theoretical training, followed by a total of 1040 hours (approximately 26 working weeks) of practical driving alongside a minder driver. Trainees enter Woburn Learning after an orientation period at a station depot, and passing introductory unit standards.

The Woburn course starts with life skills, dealing with issues such as shift work, fatigue and first aid. Over the first six weeks trainees study the rules and codes of signaling with a closed book exam at the end of each section. Study includes demonstration of advanced knowledge of rail signals, centralised traffic control, track warrant control and double line automatic signals. An 80 per cent pass rate is required for each exam. It is tough - up to 25 per cent of trainees resit and additional training is provided when required.

Trainees then move into studying the locomotive itself, from mechanical and electrical systems to the physics behind controlling a train and the forces within it. This part of the course blends the theory with practice and involves simulator based exercises and yard practice. Trainees also spend time at their home base depot learning route knowledge and other local vagaries.

On successfully completing theoretical training trainees are assigned to a depot and appointed a minder driver to start their OTJ (on the job) training. Drivers then complete a practical which involves being observed while driving trains over all routes in their geographical area.

Locomotive engineers need good eye and hand coordination and distance judgment.

There are no specific tertiary education requirements but hopefuls need a current driver's licence and must pass hearing and eyesight tests before joining up.

Applicants attend two interviews along with a one day psychometric assessment involving four tests. Literacy and a good working knowledge of maths are important, as is communication skills and flexibility. Trainees range in age from 21 to 50.

There are many openings for locomotive engineers because the current workforce is aging and many engineers are getting poached to Australia.

The graduate

* Clive Matthews
Locomotive engineer for Toll NZ, Stratford Branch.
Age: 47
Graduates this month

I used to be a train driver but was made redundant and hadn't driven for 14 years so I needed to retrain. I always worked with the railways and particularly liked train driving because of the challenges.

Last night I returned from Taumarunui driving a 1430 tonne locomotive. That is a lot of weight to have behind you. Every train is different so every day is a different day.

The course teaches the rules and regulations essential to driving.

Because we have to make quick decisions we need to know the rules without having to check the rule book; such as maximum load limits over the length of a track and speed restrictions in certain areas. The minder driver approach works really well too. Your minder driver keeps an eye on what you're doing and notes down things you need brushing up on. It is very reassuring to have that.

I really liked the approach at Woburn. They are legends, the tutors, they take a really personal interest in your training.

The employer

* David Palamountain
Longhaul operations manager, Taranaki Toll NZ

The Woburn Training Centre provides a good base for drivers because it is where they obtain their theoretical knowledge and link it to practice. This is followed by on-the-job training and the log book which provide connections between theory and practice in the wider organization.

This has huge value in providing focus and positive peer pressure. Minder drivers also help maintain standards in the operating corridor because the role means they increase their own knowledge, safety and sharpness. You don't need to be a university graduate to become a train driver, but you do need common sense and an interest in trains. It is a rewarding job.

The qualification

National certificate in Rail Operation: Freight and/or passenger (Level 4)

Woburn Training Centre, Lower Hutt, Wellington

Freephone 0800 801070 or 04 498 3000

Starting salary: $45,000+