Join our crew as a trainee driver

I want to be a train driver, so now what?

You’ve read the advert and you can see yourself in the driver’s seat, traversing the landscapes and communities of our beautiful country.

Driving a train can be an incredibly fulfilling and rewarding job. Our drivers often enjoy working with us for decades, some of our current drivers are celebrating 50 years of service – we are extremely grateful for their service, and we look forward to welcoming the next generation of rail workers to start their journey with us.

All our trainee drivers are provided with a 12-month training program where they gain accreditation and a Certificate IV in train driving. As a Trainee, you will be trained in all aspects of safe and efficient locomotive operations to develop the requisite driver skillset through competency-based assessments and on and off the job training. Completing this training and the ongoing verification training will ensure you can be the best train driver possible.

“I used to often think to myself how cool it would be to drive a train; I still can’t believe I get the opportunity to live my dream.” Casey McIntosh (trainee driver)

Pacific National operates 24 hours a day 7 days a week, which means shift work presents a great opportunity to strike a good work life balance. In return for your service Pacific National offers a very competitive wage and a reward and recognition program where you can accumulate points to redeem for a gift of your choice.

Join our crew

You’ve read the advert and you can see yourself in the driver’s seat, what’s next?

Will I be a good fit?

We’d like Pacific National to be the right fit for you and the right fit for us.

What are the key responsibilities of a train driver?

Find out more

Learn more about the application process

You’re onboard and now you’re ready to apply

What does the training journey look like?

To become a qualified locomotive driver, you will undertake a 12-month accelerated traineeship program where you will receive a TLI42622 Certificate IV in Train Driving issued by the Pacific National Registered Training Organisation (RTO 91717).