Train Controller
Tasks & duties
Train controllers may do some or all of the following:
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authorise and direct the movement of trains within an assigned geographical area
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communicate with locomotive engineers to ensure the safe movement of trains
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familiarise themselves with the weight, length and schedule of the trains they are monitoring
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record the movement of trains on a train control diagram
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record departure times and station stop times
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provide other train controllers with progress information on trains connecting or going through their assigned area
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authorise and control any activity taking place on railway tracks in their assigned area
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authorise and provide for the safety of maintenance workers on the railway tracks
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maintain a database of temporary speed restrictions
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contact relevant personnel to deal with equipment failures
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advise the Land Transport Safety Authority and the Transport Accident Investigation Commission of any incidents within an hour of them happening
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call emergency services to the scene when urgent situations arise
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immediately inform their manager of all incidents, irregularities and train delays and log these in the system
Skills & knowledge
Train controllers need to have:
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knowledge of railway signal systems
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an understanding of railway terms and radio transmitter operating protocols
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knowledge of New Zealand's geography
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communication and people skills
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computer skills, including the ability to work between three or four different computer programs and screens at the same time
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decision-making skills and the ability to prioritise tasks
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problem-solving skills
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the ability to follow instructions
Entry requirements
To become a train controller you must be complete a three month theory correspondence course. You must also pass personality and competency tests.
If you do well throughout the course and pass a final examination you may be offered a contract. You must then complete seven weeks at a training school doing theory and practical work, and pass another final examination. You must also pass a medical examination, which includes a drug test.
Training on the job
Skills are gained on the job. Train controllers spend time being trained by an experienced train controller and are assessed before they can be certified as fully qualified. Their work is continually assessed and audited.
Useful experience
Work experience in the rail industry is useful. However, four to five years work experience in any industry, and experience doing shift work are also helpful.
For more information, please refer to Career Services.
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