REGISTER

Les Brearley BE (Elect), Grad Dip Bus, FIRSE, MClT, RPEQ

Manager, Systems Safety and Quality Union Switch & Signal Pty Ltd

The change in industry snucture of the past decade has had a significant impact on the training of engineers in railway signal and telecommunications. The change from large government owned organisations to multiple, smaller, privately owned organisations has created a vacuum in the industry in Australia for the delivery of specialist signalling training.

The current age profile of signal engineers in Australia indicates that there will be a shortage of competent signal engineering staff at a time when there will be significant renewal and new installation work. This increases the priority .of providing suitable courses that are generally available to the industry.

The Co-operative Research Centre for Engineering and Technologies (Rail CRC) is developing a project based, distance learning course for railway signalling in Australia. This is the first of a series of courses intended to cover all aspects of railway engineering.

The objective of the signalling program is to develop the skills and knowledge required of competent signal engineering practitioners.

This is an exciting development for the rail industry in Australia. It will require support from all of the sectors of the industry to be successful in ensuring competent signal engineering staff for the future. This will be imperative to ensuring modem, safe systems are available for railway operators to improve the viability of the railway industry.