Tunneller

Job Role: Excavating underground and leaving a stable space for the construction of rail services 

Job insights

Skills required to be a Tunneller

  • Ability to work well in a team
  • Strong communication skills
  • Safety awareness
  • Work under pressure

Job role

Operate mechanical equipment, Identify and manage risks, Maintain and repair equipment

tunneller
Overview

The role

Tunnellers build the underground tunnels needed for rail lines. They assist with the excavation, support and forming of tunnels and shafts and leave a stable space for the construction of rail tracks and related services.
tunneller
Skills required

Skills required to be a Tunneller

  • Comfortable working in enclosed spaces
  • Great team working skills
  • Good communication skills
  • Awareness of health and safety measures
Entry pathways

Minimum requirements

The minimum mandatory qualification for Tunnellers is a  RII30920 - Certificate III in Civil Construction (Tunnel Construction).

This is taken as part of a traineeship, which is nationally recognised. Generally the qualification is customised for each employer or project depending on the type of tunnelling being undertaken.

Optional additional qualifications: RII40720 - Certificate IV in Civil Construction. This qualification is generally taken by leading hands and site forepersons. It includes supervisory elective units relating to tunnel boring operations.

 

Potential training pathway

tunneller - training
Career progression

What a Tunnellers' career progression can look like

Tunnellers may look to advance their career through opportunities as supervisors or team leaders.

tunneller - career
What-do-I-do-next

What do I do next?

Our findings include information from the Australian Industry Standards. For more information on Tunneller roles, take a look at their leading hand supervisor (construction) pathways

For more information on becoming a tunneller:

  • talk to your careers adviser 
  • get in touch with your union
  • contact your local TAFE
  • if you already work in rail, talk to your employer.