Industry stakeholders from across the rail sector came together at the National Transport Commission (NTC) Skills Forum on 26 August 2026 to discuss the future of workforce mobility under the theme, “Progressing a Rail Mutual Recognition Scheme.”
Opening the forum, Steven Lemon, Executive Director, Rail Systems and Operations Reform at the NTC, highlighted the potential benefits of mutual recognition in creating a safer, more mobile and efficient rail workforce.
Industry Skills Australia (ISA) Director of Project Operations, Klausch Schmidt, presented the findings of ISA’s Mutual Recognition Project, outlining a practical pathway for recognising assessment outcomes for common rail competencies delivered by participating Registered Training Organisations (RTOs).
The proposed model aims to reduce duplication in training and assessment while maintaining the local competencies required for specific rail networks, products and operating environments. Building on the NTC’s 2023 Mutual Recognition Blueprint, the project has also informed the development of national guidance through a companion volume to the TLI Transport and Logistics Training Package.
A key focus of the initiative is the establishment of consistent, industry-relevant training and assessment practices, supported by qualified trainers and assessors, reliable learner information, accessible competency records and ongoing quality improvement.
The project identified 10 entry-level units as suitable for an initial mutual recognition approach. These units cover areas including railway fundamentals, manual handling, communication, fatigue management, work health and safety, safe corridor access, track protection, teamwork and hand-tool use. Nationally standardised resources would address common competency requirements, while rail operators would continue to manage additional local requirements.
Read more about this project: Mutual Recognition Project – Industry Skills Australia
While there is strong industry support for the concept, several challenges remain. Differences in safeworking rules, inconsistent training and assessment practices, varying competency management systems and concerns about recognising training completed on different networks continue to present barriers.
The forum reinforced that a national rail mutual recognition scheme is achievable, but its success will depend on strong governance, quality assurance, data-sharing arrangements and an agreed national framework that maintains safety while improving workforce portability.
As discussions continue, the next step will be turning industry consensus into a practical, tested and sustainable scheme that supports workforce mobility and strengthens capability across Australia’s rail sector.
See more about our projects: Projects – Industry Skills Australia
