VET Courses vs. Higher Education: Choosing the Right Path
Published 14 Apr 2023
How to Get Your RISI Training and RIW Card in Melbourne
Michael Yi Are you looking to work in the exciting rail industry as a Rail Industry Worker (RIW)? Read here for more information about how you can get RISI training and obtain an RIW card.
TLIF 2080 Safely Access the Rail Corridor, previously known as Rail Industry Safety Induction training (RISI), is a nationally recognised unit of competency required for those trying to enter the rail industry in Australia. Upon successful completion, you will receive a statement of attainment which will then allow you to apply for a Rail Industry Worker (RIW) Card before being able to access or conduct work duties on the rail corridor.
RISI training at a nationally recognised RTO (Registered Training Organisation) will allow you to work on rail infrastructure across NSW, VIC, QLD, SA, and WA. In order to register for a RIW card, you have to be associated with a company or hold an ABN as a sole trader. The card remains valid for 10 years.
A prerequisite to getting RISI training is obtaining a White Card – Construction Induction. A white card, also known as Victorian Construction Induction Card, requires a general Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) construction induction training. This card is required for anyone conducting general construction work. The necessary unit of competency for a white card is ‘CPCCWHS1001 Prepare to work safely in the construction industry’ training.
What are the requirements to work in the rail industry?
Depending on the rail network you want to work for in Australia, there will be different RIW card and worker competency requirements.
What is RIW card training?
TLIF2080 Safely access the rail corridor (RISI) training provides the knowledge and skills to work safely in the rail corridors, operate cautiously in the danger zone, and respond to emergencies.
The training will help you achieve the following outcomes:
Each RTO-delivered course will specify which rail networks accept/recognise their training. Some RTOs offer combined packages which could include TLIW2001 Operate under Track Protection Rules, TLI21315 Certificate II Rail Infrastructure, etc.
Depending on your preferred rail network employer, you may want to consider pursuing additional training courses to improve the appeal of your candidacy or to work on desired projects.
Which RTO-provided training courses are available in Melbourne?
There are few RTOs in Melbourne and regional Victoria that offer RIW card programs.
Some employers will accept statements of attainment from online training courses but some will require in-person, offsite training and assessment. You can take standalone RISI courses or find programs that help you access a wider selection of training courses appropriate to help you meet the desired RIW requirements.
Here are some of the RTOs in Melbourne/Victoria that offer authorised RISI training courses:
Training Ahead Australia
Course(s) Overview:
Accepted by:
Metro Trains Melbourne, V/Line – Victoria, and Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) network (Contractor Induction training also required)
Urban Rail Safety Pty Ltd
Course(s) Overview:
Accepted by:
Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) and John Holland Country Rail Network (JHCRN)
John Holland Rail Training
Course(s) Overview:
Accepted by:
Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC), Metro Trains – Victoria, V / Line – Victoria, and Queensland Rail
Pinnacle Safety and Training
Course(s) Overview:
Accepted by:
Australian Rail Track Corporation (*requires additional competency training), Aurizon, John Holland Country Rail Network (JHCRN), and DPTI(SA)
Not sure which course to choose? Let us recommend the best courses to suit you!
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