The Rail Industry Worker (RIW) program provides a single online competency management system for Australian rail workers, making it easier for you to move from project to project, and across state borders.
RIW supports the rail industry by giving participant organisations full visibility of workers moving between projects and employers, maintaining a single electronic record about each worker’s health, education and competencies. This ensures work is carried out by qualified people and enhances the overall safety on rail networks across Australia. The RIW program also meets regulatory requirements and complies with Rail Safety National Law.
RIW was developed by the ARA and is operated by our service provider Metro Trains Australia. Together, we are delivering a national approach to competency management to make it easier for rail organisations to meet the requirements of national rail safety law and regulations.
To register for a Rail Industry Worker card or log in to your account, visit the Rail Industry Worker website.
National matrices
RIW has established national role matrices to outline the competencies required to hold certain roles. In most cases this process has simplified competency requirements and created more consistency across operators participating in the program.
There are four matrices that form part of the program: the national track and civil matrix; national plant matrix; national trades matrix; and national operator roles matrix. You can view the matrices here.
Our governance committee
The National Rail Industry Worker Governance Committee (NRIWGC) is made up of industry representatives to oversee the RIW program. Its representatives include:
- Australian Rail Track Corporation
- John Holland Group
- Metro Trains Melbourne
- Public Transport Authority Western Australia
- Queensland Rail
- Transport for NSW
- V/Line
- Contractor representatives (currently Laing O’Rourke and McConnell Dowell)