Autonomous Train Operations Project

As autonomous train networks continue to grow across Australia, particularly in passenger services in New South Wales and Heavy Haulage operations in Western Australia, there is a rising need for skilled professionals to support, manage, and operate these advanced systems. While the Transport and Logistics Training Package includes five Units of Competency related to autonomous train operations, these were primarily designed for rail freight and do not fully address the evolving needs of the sector.

This project aims to assess the current training coverage and identify any gaps in skills required for modern autonomous rail operations, including passenger services. Through research and consultation, we will evaluate the relevance of existing units and explore additional training needs to support the sector’s expansion.

A comprehensive skills gap analysis will guide the future review and development of training products within the Transport and Logistics Training Package. This process will involve close collaboration with industry stakeholders to ensure the recommendations reflect current best practices and regulatory requirements.

This initiative marks the first stage of a two-part project. Stage 1 will:

• Identify and benchmark current and emerging practices in autonomous train operations in all sectors to inform updates to vocational training products.
• Produce a detailed report with recommendations for new or revised training products, along with any additional activities or resources needed for successful implementation.

Stage 2 will be a separate project focused on putting these recommendations into action.

Industry Skills Australia (ISA) will actively engage with stakeholders throughout the project, welcoming all ideas, feedback, and perspectives to ensure the outcomes align with industry needs.

The project will be completed by 31 March 2026.