Five weeks | Online course | ARA members $1320 incl. GST | Non members: $1,760 incl. GST
Join the ARA for this interactive online course, bringing a comprehensive understanding of Rollingstock.
Understanding the trains that service the differing sectors of the rail industry is crucial to really developing your knowledge and career in rail. Would a passenger choose or need to travel on a train designed to carry wheat or barley? Would a farmer choose an intercity passenger train to transport bananas? The answer to both is clearly no.
Introduction to Rollingstock will give learners an insight into the full asset lifecycle of trains from design, manufacture, operation, maintenance and de-commissioning. As well learners explore the impact of terrain, operational imperatives and other system integration challenges when designing trains. Propulsion is explored including diesel, electric, battery/electric and hydrogen.
The rail industry is often described in terms of above and below rail….this module looks closely at above rail, and the increasing integration of systems that are located below rail to assist in train management.
There is a predetermined journey through the modules, however, you can complete them as quickly or slowly as you wish over the four weeks that they are available to you.
Course modules
- What is Rollingstock?
- Asset management systems
- Propulsion – what makes rollingstock move?
- Rollingstock and the signalling system
- A day in the life of rollingstock
- The global future of rollingstock
- Design your own train
Learning outcomes
- Deep dive into Australian and New Zealand railways and the types
of trains that can run on various infrastructure. This includes track
machines and maintenance vehicles.
- Gain insights into rail networks around the country and the rollingstock
that is typical to the various rail corridors.
- Learners will be able to match rollingstock to the relevant rail
ecosystem, including the signalling systems and typography of those
ecosystems.
- Understand some of the key differences between passenger, freight,
and heavy haul trains, with a focus on train dynamics, wheel rail
interfaces and propulsion systems.
- Acquire knowledge on the key principles that underpin how trains are
kept apart and what role safety plays in the management of trains.
- Explore de-carbonisation journeys in the design, manufacture and
operation of new rollingstock.
Who should attend?
Whether you are new to the rail industry or want to have access to the latest course offering in this space, the ARA Rollingstock Course will give you a comprehensive insight into the breadth and complexity of Rollingstock in the rail industry.
Course dates 2026
- Registrations Close: Thursday 30 July 2026
- Course commences: Monday 3 August 2026
- Course closes: Friday 28 August 2026
Registration fees
ARA members – $1,320 incl GST | Non-members - $1,760 incl GST
For more information on this course please contact the ARA Workforce Development Team via [email protected].
If you have any issues booking this event, please email [email protected] for assistance.