How can I start a business working in rail?

For businesses, it can be confusing when looking to enter the rail industry – so we’ve put together the most commonly asked questions we get at Training Ahead Australia, to help you successfully work in the Australian rail industry.

What do each of my employees need before they can work in the Australian rail industry?

View our How to Get Started in Rail guide, to find out what each employee will require – based on each rail network and job type. We strongly recommend that you also contact your client to find out what specific job role training and inductions are required for their site, to make sure you are 100% covered.

Does Training Ahead Australia do direct uploads to the Rail Industry Worker Portal for certificates?

Yes, we do direct uploads if a RIWC number is provided. Please allow for up to 3 business days after payment is received to have the certificate uploaded.

Please note: If no RIWC number is provided, we are unable to upload a certificate.

When Training Ahead does a direct upload to the Rail Industry Worker Portal, do they also add the job roles?

No, RTOs do not have the ability to add job roles, this is still the requirement of the company.

Does each company require their own Rail industry Workers Portal?

Yes, employers are required to have their own company Rail industry Worker Portal – you can register for one on their website. 

Does Training Ahead transfer the employees to the employer Rail industry Workers Portal?

No, Training Ahead does not have access to company portals. You will be required to send the employee an employment request through your Portal.

How long do individuals stay on the Training Ahead Rail industry Workers Portal?

TAA keeps individuals on the RIW Portal for approximately 7 days, to allow for the card to be completed. If you would like them removed sooner, please just let us know and we can end employment the same day

When can training ahead put job roles on an individuals’ card?

When creating and RIW card for an individual, TAA is able to allocate specific job roles to that individual’s card. By default, TAA puts on the minimum requirements to enter the rail corridor on the Metro Network – this includes:

  • MTM – Operator
  • If a white card is provided, Around the Track Personnel (Construction)
  • If no white card is provided, Around the Track Personnel (Non-Construction)
What do we do if our employees are going to work on the ARTC Network?

The employee is required to complete the ARTC National Contractor Induction. Once they have completed it, you are required to upload it against the “ARTC – Operator” job role on your RIW Portal. Training Ahead does not upload this certificate.

Can I send an employee to work while they are on the Training Ahead RIW Portal?

No, they must be linked to the company Portal prior to starting work.

Do I need to do anything with their card before they start work, if they complete their training through Training Ahead?

Yes, prior to them commencing work, we strongly advise that you:

  1. Send an employment request to the individual and link them to your RIW Portal
  2. Review their Rail Workers Industry Card to check that they all hold all the required job roles, and they are valid on the card.
Where can I find out more information about the Rail Industry Workers (RIW) system?

RIW have various videos on their website to help support you with the system.

How long does it take for certificates and medicals to get approved?

Please allow for 3-5 business days from the date of training and payment being received.

What is the phone number and email address for the Metro Trains Academy Rail Industry Workers (MTA RIW)?

Phone: 1300 101 682 

Email: info@riw.net.au

What do we do if our employees are going to work on the Victorian V/Line Network?

The employee is required to complete the V/Line Contractor Induction. Once they have completed it, you are required to upload it against the “V/Line – Operator” job role on your RIW Portal. Training Ahead does not upload this certificate.