The Australasian Railway Association (ARA) and National Transport Commission (NTC) has released a report showing rail workforce gaps in several jobs in Australia and New Zealand, including engineering, construction, ICT, train control signalling, track plant operators and train driving.

The report, Determining the Future Demand, Supply and Skills Gap for Australia’s and New Zealand’s Rail Workforce: 2022-2032 found the shortage is exacerbated by rising construction costs, rapid technology changes, an ageing workforce and the long-term impact of COVID-19 on labour supply.

ARA CEO Caroline Wilkie said the report showed a peak of rail construction activity now extending even further to 2026.

“It is imperative industry and government prioritise measures to support workforce development in rail to ensure its long-term sustainability,” Ms Wilkie said.

The report concluded “the rail industry faces a convergence of challenges and threats to workforce capability across the coming decade to FY32 and beyond.”

In Australia, rail construction is forecast to remain strong due to metro rapid transit projects, with investment growing to $12.9 billion by 2026.

In New Zealand, rail construction levels are also expected to remain strong, peaking at $2 billion in 2025 and then then declining to reach $1.3 billion in 2032.

Rail maintenance activity is forecast to grow by 7.8 per cent to $3.4 billion by 2032 as rail networks expand, with urban passenger rail the main driver.

The ARA is implementing a range of initiatives to address workforce gaps in the industry.

It launched the Work in Rail campaign in April with Federal Minister for Skills and Training Brendan O’Connor which targeted university graduates and school leavers in a series of careers expos around the country.

“There are many rich and rewarding careers in the rail industry and I encourage anyone looking for a change or a new role to consider the variety of job opportunities available,” Ms Wilkie said.

The report is prepared by Oxford Economics Australia.