RECRUITMENT INFORMATION PACK

TRAINEE DRIVER – FULL TIME

August 2017
GENERAL INFORMATION
Queensland Rail is dedicated to providing a safe, reliable, on-time, value for money and customer focused rail
service that benefits the community, supports industry and is integrated with the public transport system.

Our vision is to connect communities through a modern, world-class rail service.

Queensland Rail operates the following three core services across multiple customer markets:

 Citytrain
 Travel and Tourism
 Regional Network and Freight

Queensland Rail’s Citytrain product primarily services the commuter passenger market in South East Queensland
(SEQ) with more than 51 million passenger trips undertaken in the 2016-17 financial year.

Queensland Rail employs around 6500 people and has assets valued at approximately $7 billion.

The SEQ network extends from the centre of Brisbane south to Beenleigh and Varsity Lakes on the Gold Coast,
north to Ferny Grove, Shorncliffe, Doomben, Caboolture, Nambour, Kippa-Ring and Gympie North, east to
Cleveland and west to Springfield, Ipswich and Rosewood. It also includes the International and Domestic Airport
lines.

To meet our customers’ expectations we are currently seeking safety conscious and customer focused Trainee
Train Drivers. All successful applicants will be provided with the theoretical and practical competency-based
training to obtain the qualifications to become a Train Driver (Qualified).

This document itself is for information purposes only and does not constitute a contract of employment. Successful
applicants will receive a separate letter of offer.

ALL ABOUT THE JOB

ROLE OVERVIEW
The role of Train Driver is highly responsible and sought-after and is pivotal in enabling us to connect communities
by transporting our customers safely and efficiently across our network. To achieve this, you must be someone
who can demonstrate that you:

 are responsible for the safety of your train and customers

 are customer focused and can manage conflict
 care about what you do and like to make a difference
 can remain focused and deliver in high pressure situations
 are fluent in spoken and written English
 are resilient and can adapt to changing environments
 can work as a team to deliver outcomes and solve problems
 are committed to continuous improvement and ongoing learning and development
 are aligned to Queensland Rail’s values and behaviours

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Your key responsibilities as a Train Driver include:

 driving all forms of trains operated at the depot competently in accordance with safety and operational
standards and procedures;
 applying agreed train management techniques competently which include knowledge of Queensland Rail’s
network rules and procedures;
 maintaining route knowledge and re-accrediting as required;
 applying professional driving standards and maintaining situational awareness;
 providing quality customer service and demonstrating a one team approach;
 understanding and working in accordance with Enterprise Agreement conditions, policies and procedures
relevant to your role;
 contributing to service delivery performance and continuous improvement;
 dealing with critical incidents and/or emergency situations; and
 signing-on at designated locations across the SEQ network and familiarising yourself with relevant
documentation.

Train Drivers may experience near collisions and/or traumatic events and play a vital role as part of the overall
incident and response management. Queensland Rail provides support services to ensure the health and wellbeing
of our traincrew.

EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS
Queensland Rail is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace, where people’s unique backgrounds,
strengths and experiences are respected and valued. At Queensland Rail, we believe diversity and inclusion drives
innovation, problem solving and team performance, which delivers better outcomes for our business and our
customers.

We encourage women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with a disability, people from non-
English speaking backgrounds, and all other members of the community to apply for vacancies within our
organisation.

Queensland Rail is committed to making reasonable adjustments to provide a positive, barrier-free recruitment
process and supportive workplace.

Working environment
Whilst your role is part of a broader team, you work independently and are mobile to be deployed to operational
areas across the SEQ network.

The traincrew environment is not suited to everyone and will take time to adapt to.

Location
Trainee Driver employees will commence their employment at our Mayne Depot which is located at Bowen Hills.
You may be required to work at any depot in the SEQ network during the course of your employment.

You must also have access to reliable transport to allow you to attend work outside of public transport operating
hours to ensure you can get to and home from your required shift starting and finishing times.

Probation
External appointed employees will be engaged on a full-time permanent basis and will complete an initial probation
period of six (6) months. During the probation period your work performance, behaviour and suitability for ongoing
employment will be assessed.

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Hours of work
In order to meet our service delivery requirements, Train Drivers are required to work a 24/7 rotating shift roster
with varied start and finish times. Employees are advised in advance of what their shift workings will be.

As a Train Driver you will be required to work:

- 160 hours over a four (4) week cycle

- frequent weekend work
- public holidays
- shift work over a rotating 24 hour cycle

Medical Requirement
All Train Drivers are required to satisfactorily complete a National Health Standards Category 1 Health Assessment
prior to and periodically throughout their employment.

EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS
Queensland Rail offers generous remuneration, superannuation and salary sacrifice programs.

Salary
SEQ Trainee Driver: In accordance with the Queensland Rail Traincrew Enterprise Agreement 2017 an SEQ
Trainee Driver currently earns a ‘full flat rate’ of $89,627.14*.

SEQ Train Driver (Qualified): In accordance with the Queensland Rail Traincrew Enterprise Agreement 2017 an
SEQ Driver currently earns a ‘full flat rate’ of $95,351.32*.

* These rates will increase on 1 September 2017 by 3%.

The ‘full flat rate’ for Train Drivers includes a premium for things like working shift work and annual leave loading.

Travel
Queensland Rail provides the following travel entitlements:

• free rail travel to and from work

• free annual or long service leave rail travel pass
• privilege go card for you, your partner and your dependents

Leave
Train Drivers will receive five (5) weeks’ annual leave per year and are entitled to long service leave after seven (7)
years’ continuous service.

Uniform
Queensland Rail provides Train Drivers with uniforms and protective clothing or equipment required to undertake
their role. Uniforms, protective clothing and equipment provided must be correctly worn and utilised whilst on duty.

Health and safety

Queensland Rail’s primary concern is the health and safety of our employees and we are committed to taking all
reasonable and practical steps to provide a safe and healthy workplace.

Queensland Rail offers a number of programs to promote the importance of health and safety not only at work but
at home.

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This includes:

• 24/7 employee support services including access to comprehensive health and wellbeing information and
counselling sessions
• annual influenza vaccination programs
• targeted health activities
• promotion of corporate health events

Superannuation
When you join Queensland Rail you become a member of one of Australia’s largest super funds – Q Super. All
Queensland Rail employees make a mandatory minimum contribution of 2%, which can be made pre-tax if
required. Should you wish to make additional contributions to your super, Queensland Rail will match those
contributions as follows:

Queensland
You
Rail
contribute
contributes**
2% 9.75%
3% 10.75%
4% 11.75%
5% 12.75%

** These rates are subject to review at Queensland Rail’s discretion. Rates will, at a minimum, be consistent with
applicable Superannuation legislation.

ESSENTIAL PREREQUISITES
To be considered for the position of Trainee Driver, applicants must have unrestricted working rights to work in
Australia and satisfactorily meet all selection standards which are outlined in this information pack.

RECRUITMENT AND SELECTION

Train Drivers play a key role in helping to ensure the safety of our customers, contractors and visitors. As such, the
recruitment process will be a thorough, multi-staged approach in order to identify the best performing candidates.
We expect to receive a large volume of applications for these roles, so the process will be highly competitive.

Due to the large number of applicants expected to undertake the selection process, candidates must be able to
attend each stage at the specific dates and times nominated. If selected, you must be available for all stages
throughout the selection process and failure to complete an assessment or attend an interview will result in you no
longer being considered. Individual exceptional circumstances will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Applicants should be aware that throughout all stages of the recruitment process, you will be assessed on your
conduct. Any observation of discriminatory behaviour, harassment, racial bias, inappropriate language, or lack of
respect may result in you being removed from the process immediately.

SELECTION PROCESS
The chart below shows the key stages of selection and what order they take place in the process. If invited,
candidates must be able to attend each stage as required by Queensland Rail to be considered for the role.

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Please note that satisfactory completion of a stage does not guarantee an invitation to the next stage – this
is a highly competitive process and only the top performing candidates will progress.

Step 1: Online application

All candidates must submit an application online. Your application should consist of a current CV or resume and a
covering letter.

Step 2: Cognitive assessment

The online cognitive assessment link will be e-mailed to you and you can complete this online anywhere. You will
be advised of a deadline by which it must be completed. This is designed to assess key cognitive abilities which
are important for the Train Driver role.

Upon completion of the assessment, you will be advised of the outcome by email and will be provided contact
details to request feedback if required.

If you successfully pass the testing, your results will remain valid for a period of 24 months from the date you did
the testing. Should you apply for the same or a similar safety critical role at Queensland Rail during this period,
you would only be required to complete the testing components that you have not already completed and passed.

Step 3: Psychomotor assessment

If selected to attend, you will be notified by email and asked to book yourself in for a designated Psychomotor
Assessment session. These sessions involve sitting in front of a computer and utilising a console and are
conducted at one of our central Brisbane offices located in Edward Street.

The assessments are designed to assess a number of abilities which are vital for safe performance of the Train
Driver role.

Upon completion of the assessment, you will be advised of the outcome by email and will be provided contact
details to request feedback if required.

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If you successfully pass the testing, your results will remain valid for a period of 24 months from the date you did
the testing. Should you apply for the same or a similar safety critical role at Queensland Rail during this period,
you would only be required to complete the testing components that you have not already completed and passed.

Step 4: Assessment Centre

The Assessment Centre will be held at one of our central Brisbane offices located in Edward Street. This will
consist of an information session and a group exercise. Invited applicants will be assessed throughout the session
on key skills and behaviours as they relate to the position of a Train Driver and Queensland Rail.

Participation does not guarantee progression to the next stage. Upon completion of the assessment centre, you will
be advised of the outcome by email and will be provided contact details to request feedback if required.

Step 5: Panel interview

Panel interviews will be held at one of our Brisbane offices located in Edward Street. The interview will last for
approximately one hour and will include competency based questions designed to assess candidates’
demonstrated previous experience, key skills required for the role and fit for the organisation.

The outcome of your interview will be communicated to you by email and you will be provided contact details to
request feedback if required.

Step 6: Reference checks

You will need to be able to provide contact details of two professional referees. Referees must be people who you
have reported directly to in a work or community situation within the past five years.

Step 7: Health assessment and alcohol and other drugs (AOD) screen
If selected, you will be contacted to undertake a National Health Standards Category 1 Health Assessment. These
assessments review medical history and conduct a clinical examination where relevant for:

 general health
 hearing, vision and musculoskeletal
 heart function including an ECG
 cholesterol and glucose blood level
 psychological health
 sleep pattern
 substance use

The health assessment will be conducted at one of the various clinics throughout Brisbane and the SEQ area.
Queensland Rail will pay for the cost of the initial health assessment. Should further health assessments or reports
be required to determine your fitness for Category 1 duties, external applicants will be required to meet costs for
the provision of this additional information. It can take up to 10 working days for Queensland Rail to receive the
results of health assessments; potentially longer if additional information is required.

This assessment also includes for all external candidates, an alcohol and other drugs screening test.

Step 8: National police check

Upon satisfactory completion of your health and AOD assessment, you will be required to provide at your own
expense a National Police Certificate.

The National Police Certificate (Name Only) costs approximately $60 and can be applied for online or at your local
police station. For further information please visit https://www.acic.gov.au/our-services/national-police-
checks/information-individuals

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Step 9: Offer of employment
Successful candidates will be offered a position by phone with a formal letter of offer sent out by email. You will be
required to review, accept and return this offer of employment.

SELECTION PROCESS TIMEFRAMES

We expect a large volume of applications and there will be multiple stages to the selection process and as such,
we cannot provide exact timelines for each stage but can say that the process will be conducted over some
months.

Communication to candidates during the recruitment process will generally occur by email so please ensure you
regularly check your email to give you the greatest opportunity to be available for each stage of the process. In
addition, you will be required to book in your own session times and dates, therefore the earlier you book, the
greater opportunities you have to select your desired time.

Additionally, during the recruitment campaign, it may be more difficult to contact Queensland Rail’s Recruitment
team, so if you leave a phone message or send an email, please allow at least 48 hours for a response, with
additional time over weekends and public holidays.

These roles are highly sought after and successful candidates will be allocated to training schools as vacancies
become available.

SELECTION CRITERIA
The selection process is highly competitive with various selection methods used to assess and validate knowledge
areas, critical skills and fit for the role. This will be utilised to identify the very best and most suitable candidates. It
will be beneficial for you to review this information pack, the position description including the responsibilities and
key selection criteria and the job advertisement to have a good understanding of what Queensland Rail is looking
for when selecting Trainee Drivers.

Key areas of focus are outlined below.

Focus Area Stages for Assessment

Psychometric assessments
Safety Assessment Centre
Panel Interview
Online application
Communication Assessment Centre
Panel Interview

Assessment Centre
Work Management
Panel Interview

Online application
Customer Service Assessment Centre
Panel Interview
Online application
Teamwork Assessment Centre
Panel Interview

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Queensland Rail will be assessing you against all criteria throughout the selection process from your application
right through until offer of employment.

SELECTION TIPS
Please find below some tips to help support your application and ongoing recruitment process.

Covering letter
A one page covering letter should be included in your application. The letter should contain information that
demonstrates your capabilities and experience and ability to fulfil the requirements of the role.

It should be clear and concise and written in a professional tone. You do not need to provide a specific statement
addressing each selection criteria.

Resume
A resume or CV should be included in your application. The resume should contain:

 your full name

 current contact details
 education details
 qualifications and/or skills
 a concise description of your relevant work experience, starting with the most recent (including dates)
 any other information that is relevant to the position you are applying for

Assessment Centre
The Assessment Centre will consist of a group activity which will assess various skills required for the role and your
alignment with Queensland Rail’s values and behaviours. You should:

 allow enough time to arrive at the assessment centre venue on time

 ensure you are groomed and dressed appropriately
 listen carefully to any information and instructions you are given
 remember that this is part of the selection process and you are being assessed throughout

Interview
All interview questions will be behavioural based and job related. In order to prepare for the questions that may be
asked:

 allow enough time to arrive at the interview venue on time

 ensure you are groomed and dressed appropriately
 re-read the role overview, key responsibilities and selection criteria for the position
 think of examples of work, study or community situations where you have applied the relevant knowledge,
skills and abilities.

You may bring personal notes into the interview as prompts and any relevant examples of work you have done
which will demonstrate your skills and abilities.

Reference checks
You will be asked to nominate at least two referees who you have been accountable to and who have first-hand
knowledge of your work performance. Referees must be people who you have reported directly to in a work or
community situation within the past five years. You will be notified before referees are contacted.

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TRAINING PROCESS
Queensland Rail has a specific training pathway which identifies the range of modules a Trainee Driver needs to be
competent in, in order to progress to the role of a Train Driver (Qualified).

Your employment as a Train Driver requires you to work a 24/7 rotating shift roster with varied start and finish
times. This is a requirement during the training process and throughout the life of your employment as a Train
Driver.

The two main areas of training are:

1. Foundation training
The theory portion has a detailed Driver foundation which allows a Trainee with no prior expertise in traincrew
operations to develop, adapt and learn to meet the necessary requirements for the role. The foundation training
lasts for approximately the first three (3) months.

2. Practical and competency based training

The practical training program for Trainee Drivers include all the elements necessary to develop the
knowledge, skills, aptitude and ability to consistently perform traincrew duties safely to the industry standard.
As this training involves being on the trains, your hours of work will be spread across various shifts on a 24-
hour, 7-day a week rotating roster. This lasts for approximately the remaining nine (9) months of your practical
training.

All Trainee Drivers must successfully complete all training and assessment criteria within the set time frame in
order to become qualified and offered a position as a full-time Train Driver (Qualified). If employees are unable to
successfully complete the training program, they will not be offered a permanent Train Driver (Qualified) role and
Queensland Rail may terminate the employee’s employment by giving the required notice.

Training location
You will be required to undertake training at our Mayne Depot located at Bowen Hills. You may be required to work
at any depot in the SEQ network during the course of your training.

SELF-ASSESSMENT CHECKLIST
The following checklist provides information about the conditions and expectations placed on Train Drivers to help
determine whether you are suitable for the job. You are required to understand and accept all of the below
conditions and expectations to be eligible for a Train Driver position.

Train Driver positions require candidates to be prepared to agree to the following conditions and expectations. You
will be required to:

 work on a full-time basis

 work shift hours within a 24 hour, 7 day a week rotating roster with varied start and finish times
 have access to reliable transport to allow you to attend work outside of public transport operating hours
 follow direct instructions for operating a safe and efficient railway
 remain vigilant and attentive for long periods while performing highly repetitive work tasks
 ensure you are fit for duty at all times whilst on duty
 undergo alcohol and other drugs testing in accordance with Queensland Rail’s Alcohol and Other
Drugs testing program
 maintain responsibility for the safe and efficient management of the train and customers
 work in high pressure situations
 attend further training and re-accreditation programs as required throughout your career

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  learn new information and integrate this with your existing knowledge
 undergo periodical health assessments prior to and during your employment as a Train Driver
 have unrestricted working rights to work in Australia.

If you are not able to accept the conditions and expectations of the role, you should consider whether you should
apply for this role.

HOW TO APPLY FOR THIS POSITION

All applications must be submitted online through the Queensland Rail Careers website.

To apply for this position online:

 Log onto http://careers.pageuppeople.com/544/new/en/listing

 Type 74075 in the ‘Job search’ field
 Read through the position description and this information pack before applying.
 When you are ready to apply, click on the ‘apply’ link at the bottom of the advertisement to go through
to the online application.

FINALLY…
Thank you for expressing an interest in joining Queensland Rail and we wish you the best of luck with your
application.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

If I applied previously do I need to apply again or have you kept my application on file?
Yes you will need to apply again if you are interested on this occasion.

If I have previously applied and completed the psychometric testing will I be required to complete the
testing again?
If you have previously undertaken some or all of the psychometric testing for the role of Train Driver then you may
not be required to undertake some or all of it again. Stay up to date with your emails from the Recruitment team so
you are aware of what you will be required to do if you are selected to progress to these stages in the process.

How can I tell if my application has been received?

You will receive an email acknowledging receipt of your application.

How do I find out where my application is at in the process?

You will be notified by email at each stage of the process. Additionally, just as you did when you applied for the
position, when you sign into your applicant profile on the Queensland Rail Careers page you will see what stage of
the recruitment process your application is at. If your circumstances change or you have an urgent query, you can
email qrcareers@qr.com.au but please allow at least 48 hours for a response due to the number of enquiries we
receive and longer for weekends and public holidays.

Will I be required to meet any costs during the recruitment process?

If you are invited to attend Psychomotor Assessments, Assessment Centre and Panel Interview, you will need to
cover your travel and accommodation costs to get to and from the venues in Brisbane. If you progress to the
National Police Check stage, you will be required to cover the costs of this.

Will personal appearance affect my application?

If you are invited to any activities at our offices, you should treat it as a formal interview and dress accordingly and
in business attire.

I have a medical condition – will this affect my application?

It is a requirement of the role that candidates undertake and meet the required standard of a National Health
Standards Category 1 Health Assessment. An overview of this assessment is included in this information pack. If
you have further questions, please email qrcareers@qr.com.au but please be aware we are unable to give medical
advice.

I have a disability – will this affect my application?

Queensland Rail requires all preferred applicants to be able to undertake the inherent requirements of the position
they have applied for. Queensland Rail will endeavour to provide all necessary support to ensure that people with
disabilities are not disadvantaged in the recruitment process.

If you require an adjustment to the selection process, please identify as a person with a disability on your
application and indicate what type of reasonable adjustment you require. This may include assistance with
attending an interview for example.

What if I have issues in being able to read and write – will this affect my application?
If you have difficulty reading or writing, please let us know if you require assistance and we will endeavour to make
any reasonable adjustments to the selection process. Please be aware that literacy is required and assessed
during the selection process given the requirements of this position.

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What if English is not my first language?
We are committed to a diverse workforce and welcome applications from candidates who are from a non-English
speaking background.

If I don’t get through the process this time, can I apply again in the future?
If your application is unsuccessful on this occasion, you will be able to apply again in the future. Please note
however that if you do not meet the required safety-critical benchmark in the psychometric assessments, you will
not be eligible to re-sit them for a minimum period of six months.

Who will see my application? Is it confidential?

Your application is confidential and only those directly involved in the recruitment process will see it.

Does Queensland Rail recruit part-time traincrew?

Queensland Rail is committed to assisting employees to balance work and life by providing a range of flexible work
options, including part-time work. Whilst these roles are full-time, each application for part-time working will be
considered on a case-by-case basis with reference to the relevant enterprise agreement and specific operational
requirements.

Successful applicants will be required to work full-time during the training period.

How many positions are available?

Queensland Rail is moving to rolling recruitment campaigns in order to create a traincrew surplus to meet future
growth and demand.

The number of Trainee Drivers that Queensland Rail can intake to each school will be matched to our ability to
safely and effectively train and mentor trainees through each stage of the qualification process.

If I am successful, when I am likely to be offered a place in a training school?

These roles are highly sought after and successful candidates will be allocated to training schools as vacancies
become available.

Why does the selection process take so long?

Train Driver roles are highly sought after and Queensland Rail utilises a multi-staged selection process to select
the best performing candidates. To ensure that the selection process runs smoothly, please ensure that you
respond to all calls and/or emails from the Recruitment team as soon as possible.

I don’t want my current manager to know I am looking for a job. Can I provide someone else as a
reference?
It is preferable that the referee details supplied are from a current manager/supervisor. A previous manager you
have worked for within the last 5 years would be suitable, however please discuss this with the Recruitment
Advisor at the time.

I am going on leave during the selection period. Can I note this somewhere?
Due to the large number of applicants expected to apply and undertake the selection process, candidates must be
able to attend each stage at the specific dates and times nominated. If you are going to be on leave during key
times and/or are unable to attend any stage for other reasons, then your application will no longer be considered.
Individual exceptional circumstances will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Does Queensland Rail offer a relocation package?

Should you be successful in a Trainee Driver role and are required to relocate, you will need to fund this relocation
at your own expense.

I have prior train driving experience. Will this give me preference?

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Queensland Rail fosters merit based recruitment and selection methodology and processes to ensure vacancies
are filled and aligned specifically to the inherent requirements of the position advertised. The Train Driver role is
highly sought after and particularly competitive, attracting large pools of candidates.

Although applicants may have past train driving experience, Queensland Rail still requires candidates to undertake
and successfully progress through the selection process to be eligible for a role.

Can I work a second job while I’m employed as a Train Driver?

Employees cannot work a secondary job if there is considered to be a conflict of interest. All secondary
employment will need to gain approval before gaining or continuing employment.

If I want to apply for a Trainee Guard role also, can I?

Yes you are able to apply for any positions that match your skills and experience. However you will need to submit
separate applications.

You may be required to undertake some or all of a separate selection process for each role.

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