Building Capability Through Collaboration - A Visit to the Rail Academy Newport

Nestled within the historically significant Newport Railway Workshops site, the Rail Academy Newport stands as a testament to Victoria’s rich rail heritage and its forward-looking commitment to workforce development. Located just 13 kilometres west of Melbourne’s CBD, the Academy is recognised as one of Australia’s premier rail training facilities.

Carly Grigg, our Rail Industry Engagement Manager, recently had the privilege of visiting this iconic site, one that embodies both the legacy and the future of Victoria’s rail industry.

The Rail Academy Newport is a state-of-the-art training facility that supports the development of a skilled rail workforce through immersive, hands-on learning. Designed for training providers in the rail and related industries, the Academy demonstrates how industry collaboration and shared infrastructure can deliver targeted, future-focused education. Participants gain practical expertise in areas such as track work, signalling systems, and rail operations, with programs like the Certificate II in Rail Fundamentals offering foundational knowledge across both heavy and light rail. This training prepares learners for a variety of roles, including train drivers, track workers, signalling engineers, and customer service professionals. With a strong emphasis on industry readiness and real-world application, the Academy plays a critical role in supporting Victoria’s expanding rail infrastructure and addressing sector-wide skills shortages.

During her visit, Carly had the pleasure of exploring the Academy’s facilities and learning more about its role in building capability across the sector. A special thank you to Metro Trains Melbourne, and in particular Charles Robinson and his team, for hosting her and showcasing the site’s potential.