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A Railway Shunter assists with the movement of trains in a railway yard. You might get trains ready for service by removing or attaching carriages or carrying out safety inspections. Railway Shunters might ensure trains are on correct platforms at the beginning of their route. You might work with passenger or freight trains, or work in a specialised industry such as mining.
Railway Shunters must have excellent observational skills and need to be able to work to correct procedures. It’s important you can work to a schedule and may have to manage several tasks at one time. Railway Shunters should have strong communication skills and be able to work well in a team environment.
There is one course available for people who want to become a Railway Shunter.
Possible job outcomes:
Get a job in the railway shunting yard with the TLI23221 Certificate II in Shunting. This nationally recognised training course will help you get a job as a shunter or terminal operator. The course covers: operation fundamentals in rail sidings, rail corridor access safety, shunting rolling stock, operating signals and point control equipment, critical safety communication skills, fatigue management, emergency response procedures, and much more. Enquire now for the full list of study units, rail shunting career outcomes, and upcoming course enrolment dates..
Average duration: 12 months.
In Australia, a full time Railway Shunter generally earns $1,340 per week ($69,680 annual salary) before tax. This is a median figure for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only. As you gain more experience you can expect a potentially higher salary than people who are new to the industry.
This industry has experienced a drop in employment numbers over the last five years. There are currently 1,100 people working in this field in Australia and many of them specialise as a Railway Shunter. Railway Shunters may find work across all regions of Australia, particularly larger towns and cities.
Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights
A Certificate II in Shunting is an ideal qualification if you’re planning a career as a Railway Shunter. This course will prepare you to work in rail operations in yards or sidings. You’ll cover a range of topics including using communication systems, applying fatigue management strategies, shunting rolling stock and applying safety procedures at remote and rural rail sites.
We’ll find nearby campuses and check if you’re eligible for funding in your state.
Here are some potential career pathways within rail. Click on an occupation to learn more about the role and the qualifications that can help you get started in this industry.
Rail
Rail Protection Officer
$960 weekly pay
Rail Worker
Track Worker
Railway Shunter
$1,340 weekly pay
Senior Track Worker
$1,200 weekly pay
Signaller
Track Machine Operator
$1,400 weekly pay
Train Driver
$1,600 weekly pay
Rail Safety Manager
$2,000 weekly pay
Train Controller
$1,800 weekly pay
Learn more about Railway Shunter courses in your area.