Intercity Train Guard Wollongong

Information pack

Contents

How to use this information pack ...... 2

Being a Train Guard with NSW TrainLink ...... 3

What is it really like? ...... 3

About NSW TrainLink ...... 5

The role of a Train Guard ...... 7

Career Journey to Intercity Guard ...... 9

Employment matters, benefits and policy ...... 11

The recruitment and selection process ...... 13

Questions and answers ...... 16

How to use this information pack

This Information pack contains everything you need to know before applying for the role.

Read all the information in this pack.

Think carefully about whether this role is right for you and your lifestyle.…

You will be tested on how well you understand and retain the information in this pack throughout the application process, so study it carefully.

We look forward to reviewing your application and hope to welcome you on board our intercity network soon!

Being a Train Guard with NSW TrainLink

Have you got what it takes?

Being a Train Guard with NSW TrainLink is an awesome job. You get to join a friendly and passionate team, who travel all over the Sydney metropolitan and NSW regional network and get hands-on with cutting edge train technology, all while making a real difference to our customers. Our Train Guards help our customers by connecting them with work, school, and loved ones.

This is a chance to progress your career journey within the organisation and to enhance your strong customer service and communication capabilities and technical skills.

What is it really like?

Being a Train Guard with NSW TrainLink is a rewarding job. Every day, we assist customers from our regional communities to get to their destinations safely.

You will have close contact and support from your frontline leadership team.

A day’s work may see you working across the South coast line From Bomaderry, Kiama, up to Bondi junction and Central Sydney. This position will really put you at the heart of our customers both regional and South Coast communities.

Like any job, there is a lot more to being a Train Guard than meets the eye.

We’re a friendly bunch and we have a lot of fun, however being a Train Guard also has its unique challenges. For example:

We work around the clock which means late nights, early

mornings, weekends, and public holidays.

We interact with hundreds of customers every day from every background, and need to adapt our communication style to suit their needs.

We deal with challenging situations that require us to think on our feet and make critical decisions under pressure.

We do whatever it takes to make sure our customers have the best possible experience as they travel across the NSW TrainLink network.

It takes a special type of person - organised, reliable, punctual, committed and trustworthy.

Before you can begin working as a qualified Train Guard, you will need to complete rigorous training that includes classroom learning and written and practical assessments and on-the-job training with some home study. Our training schedule means that you will need to put in additional hours during evenings and weekends and occasionally make sacrifices in your home life to be successful in your course.

Once your training is complete, you will still need to work to a tight schedule, as we are relying on you to show up every day and keep the complex train network running. You may need to work unusual hours; making sure that every customer makes it to their destination safely.

You will be required to come to work with absolutely no alcohol or prohibited drugs in your system and submit to random testing regularly. You will also need to perform well in high-pressure situations, always keeping the safety of our customers at the heart of everything you do.

This Information Pack contains everything you need to know before applying for a role as Train Guard with NSW TrainLink. Read it and think carefully about whether the role is right for you. You will be tested on the information in this pack throughout the application process.

About NSW TrainLink

We connect regional communities on rail and coach services across NSW and into Victoria, Queensland and the Australian Capital Territory.

We’re committed to providing a safe, reliable and comfortable ride for customers, and improving transport options for regional communities.

Why our services are important • We serve commuters between Sydney, Blue Mountains, Newcastle and Wollongong. • We serve leisure travellers throughout the state. • We connect regional customers in NSW with major cities and regional centres for access to medical, education and leisure services. • We support economies and tourism by bringing visitors to regional areas.

Our Intercity train services operate between Sydney and the Hunter, Central Coast, Blue Mountains, Southern Highlands, and South Coast regions. The Intercity network depots include:

• Sydney Terminal Intercity • Gosford • Moss Vale • Newcastle • Mt Victoria • Wollongong • Lithgow

Key facts 3077 Weekly intercity train services 713 Weekly regional train and coach services 356 km Travelled by regional customers on average 385 km Destinations reached by our train and coach services 5892 km network More than 60 times the size of the Sydney metropolitan area 46 million Annual customer journeys 44.7 million Intercity train journeys

Preparing for the future In the past five years, our patronage has increased by 30 per cent and is expected to keep growing at five per cent per year. We’re preparing for more customers and more services in a number of ways, including:

• We’re delivering a new, state-of-the-art fleet of intercity trains that will provide a new level of comfort and convenience for the thousands of customers who travel between Sydney and the Central Coast and Newcastle, the Blue Mountains, and the South Coast every day. • We’re replacing our ageing NSW regional rail fleet and have initiated the planning and design of new regional fleet for customers traveling from Sydney to NSW regional centres and interstate including Canberra, Melbourne and Brisbane. • Adding more crew to our team.

The role of a Train Guard

Role overview Train Guards are responsible for moving over 1,200 people per trip. As a Train Guard, you’ll be making a valued contribution to your community by making sure that our customers get to their destination safely and on time.

As a Train Guard • You are responsible for the safety of your customers • You care about what you do and make a difference • You make the right decisions in high pressure situations • You are an action orientated problem solver • You are committed to continuous improvement and ongoing learning and development

Once you qualify as a Train Guard on successful completion of the Career Journey to Intercity Guard program, your day to day responsibilities include:

• Sign-on duties which include familiarisation of requisite documentation issued at the beginning of shift • Communicating information about train services, destinations, delays, connecting services, convenient routes, other means of transport and Sydney attractions by making public announcements and answering any passenger enquiries where possible • Providing customer service and physical assistance to NSW TrainLink customers as required • Maintaining route knowledge • Supporting the Driver in fault management and protection of the train • Dealing with critical incidents and/or emergency situations and • Integration of customer service principles and a “one team” approach by understanding that other teams contribute to your success.

The working environment Being a Train Guard is not a standard 9-5 office job. The unique working environment is not suited to everyone and takes time to adapt to. Train Crew schedules are rostered with start and finish times that can vary significantly during the month.

Shift times Train crew schedules are rostered around the clock across a 24 hour span with varied start and finish times. Higher penalty pay rates apply for shifts and weekends. Shift sign on and sign off times are staggered based on timetabled train running. Meeting these shift times requires a level of flexibility from our crew who are often required to make adjustments to or miss out on family, sport and social commitments.

Critical incidents Train Guards may be involved in traumatic incidents and will play a vital role as part of the overall incident and response management of these events. We do everything in our power to minimise these risks and offer extensive support to Train Crew in the event of a potentially traumatic incident.

Work locations Whilst your role is part of a wider team, you work independently and are mobile to be deployed to operational areas across the network. You will primarily be based at Petersham for the duration of your formal training and some of the practical learning will be based at your home depot and across the network.

“I enjoy my job because the crew at Mount Victoria are a great bunch of people, I can work my shift times to suit my lifestyle and every day on the job poses new opportunities and challenges to overcome.”

Emily Ippel, Train Guard, Mt Victoria

Career Journey to Intercity Guard

Program overview The Career Journey to Intercity Guard Program provides you with the required skills and knowledge to: • Safely operate trains and related equipment under normal, degraded and emergency conditions. • Prepare, guard and stable trains in accordance with safety, customer and operational requirements, at various locations on the NSW TrainLink network. • Identify, report and rectify train faults and failures according to current network rules and procedures.

The Career Journey to Intercity Guard Program will require determination and commitment to achieve the learning outcomes.

Program structure The Career Journey to Intercity Guard Program is a combination of off-the-job and on-the-job training.

Off-the-job training You will have the opportunity to learn in a classroom environment. This includes participation in workshops, completing computer-based learning activities, experiencing the reality centre and using train simulators.

On-the-job training You will gain hands on experience and use real equipment in controlled situations. This allows you to practice and learn how to apply new skills and knowledge in the real working environment with all its complexities.

Home study To adequately prepare for rigorous assessments, you will also be required to undertake home study in addition to your learning program. You will need to memorise a significant amount of information, for example the network map, stopping patterns and procedures for a range of potential situations.

By participating in both off-the-job and on-the-job training you will learn all aspects of the Train Guard role.

70:20:10 learning The Career Journey to Intercity Guard Program will follow the 70-20-10 Model:

70% is on-the-job such as working with a workplace Guard Trainer or learning from other colleagues. 20% is from feedback and relationships, such as when participants undertake simulations and get feedback from their facilitator or workplace Guard Trainer. 10% of the learning takes place in the classroom, in workshops and via eLearning.

70-20-10 represents relative quantities of time, not importance.

Assessments During your learning program you will be required to sit through a number of assessments in order to successfully complete your training. This will be a combination of classroom, practical on-the-job training and a range of high- tech train simulator assessments.

Employment matters, benefits and policy

Benefits and entitlement Commencing base salary for Trainee Train Guards is $1, 310.30 per week or $68, 135.60 per annum (as of May 2020 including industry allowance). Future increases will be determined when a new enterprise agreement is approved.

In addition, employees receive: • 9.5% Superannuation • Penalty rates (as worked) • Shift allowances (as worked) • Annual leave loading

Leave entitlements • Annual leave: 5 weeks per year (shift workers) • Long service leave: 2 months after 10 years of service • Parental leave: 14 weeks for primary carer and 2 weeks for non-primary carer • Sick leave: 15 days per year

Code of conduct NSW TrainLink employees must: • Behave honestly, courteously and ethically • Work in a safe, healthy and efficient manner • Observe the enterprise agreement, policies and procedures, and job requirements

• Act in the best interests of NSW TrainLink and its customers

Drug and alcohol policy NSW TrainLink is a drug and alcohol free workplace and is committed to providing a safe environment for all employees, contractors and customers through reducing the risks created by the use of drugs and alcohol.

To achieve this vision, everyone in the workplace is required to: • Participate in our random drug and alcohol testing program • Have test readings showing zero concentration of alcohol in the blood • Have a test reading less than the cut off level stipulated in the Australian / New Zealand Standard 4308 (AS/NZS 4308) for tolerances of drugs • Not have or sell alcohol or prohibited drugs in the workplace • Not be in possession of any item or piece of equipment for the use or administration of a prohibited drug at any NSW TrainLink workplace.

The NSW TrainLink Drug and Alcohol program is consistent with our corporate values and behaviours. It also provides support for our employees to remain drug and alcohol free while at work.

Measures to reduce safety risk, absenteeism and other effects in the workplace due to the consumption of drugs and alcohol will include the opportunity to self-identify and seek help, rehabilitation programs and education on drug and alcohol related issues.

Uniform and grooming standards NSW TrainLink employees must present themselves in a professional manner, including wearing the designated uniform and required safety gear appropriate to operations.

The recruitment and selection process

Merit selection NSW TrainLink has a merit based recruitment and selection policy. Merit is decided by taking into account the relevant position and assessing the skills, abilities, qualifications, experience and personal qualities of each applicant.

What’s involved? We use a variety of techniques to assess and validate key knowledge areas, critical skills and fit for the role. These include: • Pre-screen questions as part of your application • Assessment and interview • Medical and fitness assessment • Reference checks

Assessment day and interview You will be required to attend an assessment day where you will complete an assessment to reflect the skills and abilities required to effectively and safely perform in the role of a Trainee Train Guard and a panel style interview on the same day.

NSW Government employment review Service History Checks are undertaken on all current and previous NSW TrainLink (RailCorp, State Rail or Rail Infrastructure Corporation RIC, Sydney Trains) employees. A Service History Check is also undertaken on all current NSW Government Agency employees.

A satisfactory service check is required before an application will be progressed to the next stage.

Reference checks In your application form you will be asked to provide the contact details of two recent work related referees. • Referees should be a current or previous manager or supervisor who can comment on your work performance (within the last 5 years) • Referee details can be updated at the pre-employment check stage • Personal character referees are not acceptable

Medical assessment The Trainee Train Guard position requires a Safety Critical Worker Category 2 medical assessment. The assessment covers physical and psychological health to determine if there are any conditions which could affect the ability to do rail safety work. Category 2 assessments include health questionnaires and clinical examination.

Health questionnaire The questionnaire helps identify health conditions which affect the ability to do Category 2 Rail Safety Work. It covers: • General work tasks including accidents or near misses • General health including medications and treatment • Epworth Sleepiness Scale, a screening tool for sleep • Disorders and excessive daytime sleepiness • AUDIT questionnaire, a screen for alcohol dependence • K10 questionnaire, a screen for anxiety and depression

Clinical examination A clinical examination is done during the assessment and covers: • Cardiovascular assessment including blood pressure, pulse rate, heart sounds and peripheral pulses • Mobility assessment (neurological and locomotion) of the neck, back, limbs and balance, tailored to job demands • Examination of chest, lungs and abdomen • Urinalysis to screen for protein and sugar in the urine • Visual acuity, visual fields and colour vision • Hearing using pure tone audiometry • Drug and alcohol testing

National Police Check A National Police Check is conducted through an authorised agency on all external applicants.

Applicants found to have a criminal record will have their individual circumstances taken into consideration. Depending on the offence and when it occurred, a criminal record does not automatically disqualify candidates from the recruitment process.

Appointment process This recruitment campaign aims to fill a number of permanent full-time Train Guard positions based in Wollongong Intercity Depot

• An Eligibility List of additional successful applicants may be created for future Trainee Train Guard vacancies (valid for up to 12 months)

If you are successful you will be notified regarding your commencement date.

Questions and answers Recruitment

Question Answer

What will the recruitment process A merit recruitment process will be applied involve? and this is decided by taking into account the relevant position and assessing the capabilities, qualifications, experience and personal qualities of each applicant.

How many positions are you We are recruiting several positions based on recruiting for? business and operational requirements. Will I require a medical The Trainee Guard position requires a Safety assessment? Critical Worker Category 2 medical assessment. The assessment covers physical and psychological health to determine if there are any conditions that could affect the ability to do rail safety work. Category 2 includes health questionnaires, pathology tests and a clinical examination.

Pay and conditions

Question Answer

What is the current Guard pay rate? The commencing base salary for Trainee Guards is $1,310.30 per week or $68,135.60 per annum (as of May 2020; including industry allowance). Following successful completion of the Guard training, you will then be paid in line with Guard Year 1 completion with further increases in the second and third year. Any changes to these rates will be determined when a new enterprise agreement is approved.

What industrial instruments cover NSW Trains Enterprise Agreement 2018 the pay and conditions of the role? (EA2018) and the Guard Rostering and Working Arrangements (GRWA). Which parts of the network would I This varies by the depot you work from. be operating? Wollongong Intercity depot works to Port Kembla, Bomaderry, Kiama, Bondi Junction and Central Sydney.

If my shift finishes at a depot closer Under certain conditions, Guards may sign off to my home than my home depot remotely via phone, however Guards are can I leave from there? normally required to sign on and off at their home depot, using Kronos Tap On/Tap Off facilities where available.

Who will support me when I start Support offered to you is clearly outlined in my new role? the Trainee Guard Information Booklet. During your learning pathway our Trainer/s and Trainee Lead will be your key person for support. Once you graduate, you will be assigned a Shift Manager whom you will report to as Train Guard.

Will all the conditions of a shift NSW TrainLink Intercity Guards and Sydney worker apply? Trains Guards have some differences in entitlements and conditions, due to the different operating environments. These are outlined in the EA2018 and GRWA.

Are shift swaps available? Yes, shift swaps are allowed within the depot. Is kilometreage included when Yes, Guards are entitled to kilometreage for travelling as a passenger? passenger working as per the EA2018. Is a Crib Break included in the The relevant breaks are provided in the schedules? schedules per the EA2018 and GRWA requirements. Intercity Train Guards are not entitled to a Crib Break. However, personal needs (toilet) breaks, and ‘time off train’ gaps are calculated into Guards’ schedules.

I am an existing employee: Will my current leave approvals We will work with you on your planned leave come with me? to confirm this before you accept the role. I have a current Flexible Work As per NSW TrainLink Policies and Arrangement; does that come with Procedures, your current Flexible Working me to the new role? Arrangements will not transfer to your new role. You can submit a new application and discuss this with your Shift Manager.

I am a registered Carer. Will that be We will work with you to assess all working honoured in the new role? arrangements prior to your accepting the role. I am a current HSR in my area, does Depots already have elected HSRs, but once that status come with me or do I in the depot you would be able to nominate at need to re-apply at election? the next election.

Mariyung Fleet (New Intercity Fleet)

Question Answer

What will happen to the current NSW TrainLink will transition the Guard role to Guard role on the new Mariyung the Mariyung. As a modern fleet with the latest fleet? technology, the way the Guards work is performed will be different. Key changes include the Guard will support the Driver with a safety check using CCTV at stations (as a ‘second set of eyes’) and has a renewed focus on customer service. Enterprise Agreement pay and conditions remain the same unless agreed through EA bargaining. There will not be a redundancy of current Guards from the Mariyung introduction.

Training

Question Answer

How long is the Guard Training Training is expected to take 3 – 4 months for period? Wollongong Intercity depot. This includes Traction Training at Petersham or Eveleigh, Route Knowledge on the network as well as assessments. There will be ongoing support and on the job training once you are competent in the role.

During the training will there be a There is no expectation that classroom training lot of extra work outside of is outside of Monday to Friday 8am to 4pm. working hours? Non classroom based training/onboard training will often require times outside of normal business hours; possibly weekends, with shifts both longer and shorter than the standard 8 hours.

What type of training assessments Training assessments include written will there be? assessments, practical application, observation and use of the SIM for incident response.

What happens if I do not pass an Where a Trainee’s assessment task is assessment task? submitted by or on the due date and is assessed as Not Yet Competent, the Trainee may have one opportunity to resubmit their assessment task with improvements made based on assessor feedback. Further assessment attempts are provided at the discretion of the Delivery Lead following a review of the Trainee’s training and/or

progress. Trainees who are assessed as Not Yet Competent are to be provided with detailed verbal and written feedback to assist them to identify the gaps in their knowledge and skills to be addressed.

How will training be delivered with The maximum sizes of groups in training the current social distancing rooms has been reduced. There are sufficient restrictions during COVID-19? rooms to meet classroom training requirements and comply with social distancing restrictions. Participants are also able to utilise training rooms and external locations during their breaks if meal rooms are too small. We are currently working with Learning & Development to continue to deliver other training requirements whilst keeping the safety of the trainers and participants a focus. On the job training is one plus one in crew cabs.

During training on the network will Yes, a portion of the program is practical I observe or will I have practical learning on relevant traction types. hands on experience? Where will the training be The program is made up of face to face and conducted? practical learning. Face to face training is held at Petersham and practical learning is held at depots such as Wollongong and around the network.

Will my experience as an Where there is a direct link between a course (CSA/PA) be taken into that has previously been undertaken, such as consideration during the learning? RISI, recognition may be provided on a case by What if I have already done some case basis. If knowledge is previously of the training? obtained, it will not have to be re-attained.

Additional

Question Answer

Will there be a probationary The skills required to perform the role of a period? Train Guard are developed and assessed within your training period which forms part of your probationary period. You will be given extensive support throughout your training program to ensure success.

What equipment will I be given to All equipment listed under NTTWP100 will be do my job? supplied if the Trainee is not already in possession. This includes keys, hand held

radios, mobile, high visibility vests and wet weather gear, and all appropriate uniform. In short, all equipment required to perform duties will be supplied.

Will there be an opportunity to We are currently scoping a learning pathway progress my career from a Guard for a proposed Guard to Driver program. to a Driver? Further information and details about this pathway will be made available when confirmed.

Additional questions If there are other questions you may have, please contact your allocated Talent Specialist and will get back to you as soon as possible.

You can also register your interest to attend an information session through Microsoft Teams (webinar or audio attendance). We will book these sessions based on demand.