Apprenticeships
Our range of rail apprenticeships put you at the heart of Western Australia’s transport future.
You’ll gain the specialist skills needed to become one of our skilled technicians who keep our state’s rail network moving.
Our apprenticeship programs give you the opportunity to:
- Gain hands-on practical experience through specialised rail safety training aligned with the PTA’s operational and compliance standards
- Learn directly from experienced PTA technicians, supervisors and trainers who provide guidance and real-world exposure across the rail network
- Complete nationally recognised training and qualifications that support long-term career pathways in the rail and transport industry
- Progress beyond your apprenticeship by qualifying as a tradesperson and advancing through specialised PTA technical competencies within your pathway.
What are we looking for?
The apprenticeships programs are entry level, with no experience required. We are seeking applicants who are:
- Mechanically minded
- A good communicator and team player
- Committed to safety and have a strong desire to learn
- Accurate, with good attention to detail
- Able to use hand and power tools, machinery and equipment, and possess sound numeracy and literacy skills
- Willing to work shift work (including day, afternoon, and night shifts) and unsociable/irregular hours (including weekends from time to time)
- Comfortable working at heights and within confined spaces.
The apprenticeship programs are paid and structured pathways typically delivered over a four‑year period. Following successful completion of the apprenticeship, participants within Signalling or Communications streams will undertake additional PTA technical competency development as qualified tradespeople. Depending on the trade and applicable PTA technical competency requirements, this post‑apprenticeship training may extend for up to an additional 12 months. Achievement of the required PTA technician competencies supports further career development and enables progression to higher salary levels.
Rail System Development Program - Signal Technician
- Signals Technician Apprenticeship
- Trade: Electrical Fitting.
Signals technicians are responsible for maintaining the complex signalling and telecommunications systems that control train movements across the metropolitan rail network. You can play a vital role in supporting the High-Capacity Signalling initiative — a key project introducing advanced Automatic Train Control technology to Perth’s rail network.
These systems are essential to ensuring the safety of passengers and trains. Signals technicians also play a key role in managing train movements for optimum safety and efficiency, ensuring the network runs smoothly and reliably.
Upon successful completion of the four-year program, you will receive a nationally recognised trade qualification (Certificate III Electrical Fitting).
Rail System Development Program - Communications Technician Apprenticeship
- Communications Technician Apprenticeship
- Trade: Electronics and Communications.
Communications technicians ensure that the PTA’s critical communication systems are maintained to a high operational standard. Working across indoor and outdoor environments to install, maintain, and support equipment that connects the entire rail network.
Upon successful completion of the four-year program, you will receive a nationally recognised trade qualification (Certificate III Electronics and Communications).
Rollingstock Technician Development Program - Mechanical
- Rollingstock Technician Apprenticeship
- Trade: Engineering Fixed & Mobile Plant Mechanic.
Rollingstock technicians maintain and service PTA’s diesel train fleets, including the Australind and Prospector trains. They perform mechanical and electrical fault rectification on safety critical components and systems to ensure our trains meet rail safety standards and customer expectations.
Upon successful competition of the four-year program, apprenticeships will receive a nationally recognised trade qualification (Certificate III Engineering Fixed and Mobile Plant Mechanic).
Key information
All PTA apprenticeship programs take a minimum of four years.
Our next planned intakes are:
- Signals Technician Apprenticeships and Rollingstock Technician Apprenticeships: commencing in November 2026, applications open in July 2026
- Communications Apprenticeship: no planned intake for 2026, but register your interest below for updates.