Closing the skilled rail worker gap
The National Rail Action Plan is focused on making rail simpler, reconciling the range of systems, training procedures and standards in operation around the country. Digital technologies have an important role to play in this harmonisation process.
The rail industry is faced with complex industry requirements and regulations, an ageing workforce, and labour competition from other industries. Reforms are currently underway through the National Rail Action Plan (NRAP) to develop a national approach to rail that will improve safety, lift productivity, support local manufacturing, enhance sustainability and help grow a skilled workforce.
It’s estimated that 70,000 more skilled workers will be needed over the next decade to design, operate and sustain growing networks. Through the NRAP, the National Transport Commission is working with governments, the rail industry, skills sector and unions to reduce the need for bespoke training by streamlining operating rules and processes.
This will reduce the burden on workers, improve safety, drive down costs and time lost to training, and make it simpler and easier for workers to move across networks, improving workforce capability.
Technology and training
In May 2024, the Australian Rail, Tram and Bus Industry Union (RTBU) selected Avetta to create an industry solution for all rail workers across Australia. RailWallet was designed to verify and manage rail worker qualifications and compliance with industry requirements and regulations.
“For those undertaking projects in the rail corridor, RailWallet is a game changer for industry operators seeking to make the rail network safer and more efficient,” said Luke Boyle, VP Operations APAC & Global Worker Support at Avetta.
“RailWallet offers cost and time savings for operators, and sustainable digital cards that empower rail workers by giving them access to their own information, such as their qualifications and compliance status, and allowing them to complete online inductions via mobile app.”
Expired competencies, lost access cards and missed training disrupt productivity. With the RailWallet digital card, rail workers can view their roles, competencies and compliance progress, update competency documents, check verification status and complete training assignments and inductions directly from their mobile phones. Industry operators can plan and set training and track and report on the results linked to a rail worker’s profile and digital card.
One of the latest updates is the integration of the RailWallet StudentManagement System with Registered Training Organisations (RTOs), including Training Ahead Australia. This API integration streamlines and automates the process of uploading competencies, enabling immediate recognition of completed training within the RailWallet mobile app for rail workers. It eliminates the need for manual uploads, saving RTOs four to five hours per week.
“With RailWallet’s advanced digital capabilities, we’re not just simplifying compliance – we’re fostering a safer, more connected and efficient rail industry,” said Shayne Kummerfeld, TrackSAFE Foundation Board Member and National Assistant Secretary at the RTBU.
“This innovation directly supports the sector’s growth, helping bridge the skilled workforce gap and meet evolving industry demands.”
Reducing compliance risks and improving safety and productivity across the rail industry is the foundation of the RailWallet system. RailWallet reduces the duplication of effort in providing the same compliance documentation multiple times between different organisations or projects in a safe and secure ISO 27001 and SSAE Type II certified system.
Industry operators can collaborate on business rules and system requirements, set and manage rail workers’ roles, competencies, training and inductions, view worker analytics and training, and control site access to the railway network.
For more information, visit railwallet.com.au
