Development Programs

If you have existing rail and/or relevant industry experience, our full‑time development programs support progression into critical and highly specialised roles within the rail industry. Participants undertake the programs under the title of trainee; however, these are generally not entry‑level development pathways.

Each PTA development program provides a structured training pathway, typically delivered over one to two years, subject to program requirements.

 

What are we looking for?

We are seeking applicants who have:

• Previous experience working within a safety critical and/or regulated environment. Each program description will outline the specific critical experience required for the role
• A strong desire to learn
• Good interpersonal and communication skills and can work well in a team environment
• Good literacy, numeracy, analytical and problem-solving skills; and
• A current Western Australian 'C' or 'C-A' Class Driver’s License (or equivalent).

 

Infrastructure Control Development Program

• Trainee infrastructure control officers
• Trainee electrical control officers.

Our Infrastructure Control team play a key role in the safe operation of our urban rail network. They monitor, control, and coordinate critical operational infrastructure (such as fire and life safety, hydraulic, ventilation and traction distribution systems) across the entire network.

The program supports development and succession planning for key roles in our Infrastructure Control function, including the electrical control officer (ECO) and infrastructure control officer (ICO) roles. This program runs for up to 12 months, depending on experience.

For consideration to the trainee electrical control officer role, you will require relevant electrical knowledge and experience, including working in a high-risk Traction Distribution SCADA (or equivalent high risk electrical SCADA system) and/or experience and certification in High Voltage Switching, or other electrical knowledge and experience.

 

Track Inspector Development Program

• Trainee track inspector.

The PTA’s 18-month Track Inspector Development Program provides a structured pathway into a specialised rail safety role, combining on-the-job training with nationally recognised qualifications in Certificate II and Certificate III in Rail Infrastructure. The program is fully aligned with PTA’s track inspection and rail safety training requirements, ensuring participants develop the technical capability and safety awareness essential for the role.

As a Track Inspector, you will learn to monitor, examine and assess track conditions, ensuring the safety and reliability of the network. Report on track asset condition in accordance with PTA standards and procedures. Apply work management processes and support compliance with safety and operational requirements.

This program is ideal if you have experience in safety-critical environments and seeking to build a rewarding and highly specialised career in rail safety and track infrastructure.

 

Safety Development Program

• Trainee safety officer

With the PTA’s strong commitment to growing and developing our workforce, our Safety Development Program offers a structured pathway to building a career in rail safety.

This program is a minimum of 12 months completion, and you will gain hands-on experience and practical skills across core safe working functions. 

This includes:

• Supporting the consistent application and implementation of the PTA safe working rules and procedures, while identifying opportunities for continuous improvement
• Assisting with the scheduling of rail possessions and access, including contributing to the planning and delivery of safe working protection plans
• Supporting risk assessment activities and delivering safety briefings aligned with the program’s safe working responsibilities.

The program is ideal if you have rail experience and are looking to progress into a specialised and rewarding career in rail safety.

 

Should I explore an apprenticeship or development programs?

Both PTA development pathways provide full time, structured on the job training with permanent employment outcomes on successful completion of the program.

The key differences between the pathways are:

• An apprenticeship is an entry‑level pathway and is suitable for anyone regardless of experience, knowledge or background. All PTA apprenticeship salaries vary dependant on occupational outcome, but they are all fall under our Public Transport Authority Railway Employee (Trades) Industrial Agreement 2024. Additionally, our apprenticeship programs run much longer than our development programs.
• Development program pathways do require safety critical work experience and additional experience relevant to each program. Rail experience is not required but is an advantage. Suitable if you can take on more responsibility from the start because of prior experience. All other development program salaries vary but are paid under our Public Transport Authority Salaried Officers Agreement 2022.

 

Each development pathway salary will be outlined in the FAQs in all job advertisements.

If you have further questions about the role or suitability, please contact Devprograms@pta.wa.gov.au.

Please note that the development programs listed are not necessarily offered on a cyclical basis. Opportunities may be open at different times throughout the year depending on organisational needs. Register your interest below for updates.