Apprenticeship disciplines

Information on the different apprenticeship disciplines

Sydney Trains offers apprenticeships in one of the following trades:

  • Telecommunications
  • Signal Electrical
  • Substations
  • Rail Traction
  • Rail Maintainer Electrical
  • Rail Maintainer Mechanical

Telecommunications

Telecommunications apprentices are trained to work with the complex communication and control systems and emerging technologies that keep our Sydney Trains network running.

You will learn to maintain, operate and repair communication systems as well as install, configure, operate, maintain, troubleshoot and repair telecommunications services in support of Rail Operations.

Rotations

Frequency: Every 3 months.
Locations: Various locations across the Sydney Metropolitan area.

Signal Electrician

As a Signal Electrician Apprentice, you will work on the installation and maintenance of electrical and mechanical signaling, point machines, colour light signals, power supplies, track circuits, control systems and multicore cabling systems.

Rotations

Frequency: Every 6 months. An external rotation to industry will be undertaken in 2nd year.
Locations: Clyde, Hamilton, Hornsby, Gosford, Sydenham, Sutherland, Wollongong, Blacktown, Lawson, Sydney CBD.

Substations

As a Substation Distribution Apprentice, you will help power our rail network. You will work on the installation and maintenance of electrical equipment in high voltage rail substations including rectifiers, transformers, and high and low voltage switchgears.
It also involves the installation and maintenance of general lighting and power services together with various types of electrical appliances.

Rotations

Frequency: Every 6 months an external rotation to industry will be undertaken in 2nd year.
Locations: Strathfield, Clyde, Hamilton, Hornsby, Gosford, Sydenham, Sutherland, Wollongong, Blacktown, Lawson.

Rail Traction

As a Rail Traction Apprentice, you will construct and maintain high voltage transmission lines and 1500-volt overhead rail-traction wiring and associated equipment.

You get to work outdoors with a variety of interesting track machines and lifting equipment. You will need to work at heights and in all kinds of weather. The work is physically demanding yet rewarding.

Rotations

Frequency: Every 6 months.
Locations: Strathfield, Clyde, Hamilton, Hornsby, Gosford, Sydenham, Sutherland, Wollongong, Blacktown, Lawson.

Rail Maintainers (Electrical/Mechanical)

Rail Maintainer Apprentices are trained to perform mechanical and electrical fault diagnosis, plus repair and maintenance work on trains to keep the Sydney Trains network running smoothly. Working on both diesel and electric trains, tasks will include repair and maintenance work with brakes, doors, radios, suspensions, lighting and other parts. Mechanical and electrical training will be provided as part of this Apprenticeship.

Rotations

Frequency: Every 6 months. Rail Maintainers – Electrical will undertake an external rotation to industry in their 2nd year.
Locations: Flemington, Hornsby, Oscar, Sydenham, Broadmeadow, Mortdale, Eveleigh
Note that there is some flexibility around rotations located at Broadmeadow and Hornsby for apprentices that live further away from these locations.