Rail School’s First Graduates On Track For A Job
Twenty students from New Zealand’s first rail school are set to graduate today – not only with a certificate but with a
job.
Maintenance services provider, Transfield Services, which maintains the country’s entire rail network, started the NZQA
registered rail school to meet the shortage of skilled workers and an ageing workforce in the rail industry.
The New Zealand Rail School’s first intake of students has now completed the four week Introduction to Track Maintenance
course and, as a result, they have all been guaranteed employment with Transfield Services.
Tony Fisher, Transfield Services’ general manager, says that the 100% pass rate was outstanding and he hopes the
students will consider a job with the company.
“The success of this initial programme will enable us to set up three new work gangs in the Auckland/Waikato region. Two
track de-stressing teams will work from the Auckland metropolitan area through to Hamilton and one project team will
carry out yard work around the Auckland region.
“We have an ongoing commitment to the rail industry to upskill and grow the workforce and the Rail School is going to be
a very valuable resource for us to achieve this,” says Mr Fisher.
The students range from school leavers to older people wanting to re-enter the workforce with about 35% of the recruits
having previously been Work and Income clients.
The New Zealand Rail School is able to operate around the country to train people close to where they live and work.
More training courses are planned throughout the country with the timing dependent upon labour requirements.
Note : A hangi is being held on Friday 28that the Otahuhu Bowling Green. Students will be awarded certificates at this
time.