The role
Tasks include:
• inspecting and testing rolling stock and other mechanical components
• performing corrective or preventative maintenance
• overseeing the work of contractors outside the rolling stock team.
Skills required to be a Rolling Stock Technician
- Physical strength
- Good attention to detail
- Dexterity and good hand-eye coordination
- Ability to work a computer
Previous experience
Rolling Stock Technicians often come from a career:
- as a Fitter and Turner
- in the Defence Sector
- as an engineering tradesperson
Minimum requirements
Generally, a relevant trade qualification at Certificate III level and/or experience will be required. Relevant fields include Fabricator, Boilermaker, Mechanic, Electrician or Fitter and Turner.
Licences in the specific trade (such as an electrician’s licence) or relevant plant/machinery qualifications may also be required.
Rolling Stock Technicians may also need to meet medical requirements and have Safely Access the Rail Corridor accreditation.
Additional qualifications for career progression
Progression to more senior roles may come through experience or a Certificate IV in the relevant field.
For example, Certificate IV in Engineering or Certificate IV in Electrotechnology - Systems Electrician.
What a Rolling Stock Technician’s career progression can look like
Rollingstock Technicians may look to advance their career through roles such as a Engineer Technical Specialist or in rail infrastructure.
What do I do next?
For more information on becoming a Rolling Stock Technician:
- check out Plant Maintainer on the Work in Rail website
- talk to your careers adviser
- get in touch with your industry body or union
- contact your local TAFE
- if you already work in rail, talk to your employer.
Meet Jade
Jade Watson is an Electrician and Rollingstock Technician at Queensland Rail. Jade travelled and worked in offices and bars before taking on an electrical apprenticeship. Topday she works on QR's fleet, fault finding, servicing and repairing train's electrical systems.
Read more about Jade's career here.