NSW Smart and Skilled

Railtrain is an approved training provider under the NSW Government’s Smart and Skilled initiative, offering eligible learners access to subsidised training programs designed to build practical skills and improve employment opportunities in the rail industry.

About the Program

The Targeted Priorities Pre-Vocational and Part Qualifications Program (TPPPQ) supports individuals to gain nationally recognised skills through short, industry-aligned training programs. These programs are ideal for people who:

  • Want to upskill or reskill for employment in the rail or related industries
  • Are new entrants seeking an introduction to vocational training
  • Require specific skill sets that contribute to career progression or compliance requirements

Under this program, the NSW Government subsidises the cost of training, allowing eligible learners to complete high-quality, nationally recognised units of competency.

Eligibility

To access Smart and Skilled funding, learners must:

  • Live or work in New South Wales, or identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander and live in specific defined interstate border areas
  • Be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, New Zealand citizen, or humanitarian visa holder
  • Be 15 years or older and no longer at school

How to Apply

Railtrain will advise when specific Smart and Skilled subsidised programs are open for enrolment under the Targeted Priorities Pre-Vocational and Part Qualifications Program (TPPPQ).

All enrolments are subject to formal application and must be supported by an industry employer. Programs are only delivered where applications have been pre-approved by Training Services NSW.

Once a program is approved and available, Railtrain will guide prospective learners and employers through the eligibility confirmation and application process.

Why Choose Railtrain

With extensive experience delivering nationally recognised rail qualifications and industry-specific short courses, Railtrain ensures every learner gains the practical skills, confidence, and certification needed to succeed in the rail sector.

Consumer Protection

Railtrain upholds its obligations to learners both prospective and existing in regard to consumer protection which is outlined below and via the following sub-headings:

  • Ensuring prior to enrolment or the commencement of training and assessment, the RTO provides advice to prospective learners in relation to training products that may meet their needs,
  • Informs learners about information that is collected about them and how it is disclosed.
  • Provides clear and accessible feedback and access to a consumer protection officer.

Railtrain’s Consumer Protection Officer- RTO Manager (via training@railtrain.com.au)  can be contacted in relation to any aspect relating to consumer protection and the content found within this section, or its related policies & procedures. For full information on Consumer Protection, please refer to our Consumer Protection policy and associated procedure available via the Railtrain Student Information page.

Privacy

Railtrain is committed to protecting the privacy of its learners as per the requirements of the Australian Privacy Principles (APP). The APP regulate how Railtrain as an organisation collects, uses and discloses your personal information. Railtrain complies with these principles in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988, further information can be found within the Learner Handbook and via our consent and privacy declaration within the enrolment application process and form.

Marketing

In accordance with Railtrain Consumer Protection Policy and Procedure and ‘Marketing and Advertising Policy & Procedure’, Railtrain will market and advertise products and services ethically in accordance with State Government Funding requirements and 2025 Standards for RTOs. Promotion of products and services will comply with the Smart and Skilled contract and other relevant state requirements as listed within specified materials. Course information will be provided via the Railtrain website or specific to a program before enrolment.

Where advertising refers to the products and services, Railtrain will ensure they are clearly represented in accordance with the RTO’s scope of registration. This includes separately advertising non-accredited programs from Nationally Recognised Training.

Railtrain will ensure that any training subsidised under the Smart and Skilled initiative will state as such through the following wording ‘This training is subsidised by the New South Wales Government. Eligibility criteria apply and concession fees are available for some students. Find out more at Smart and Skilled – Are You Eligible?’

Fees, Charges and Refunds

Railtrain ensures that all fees and charges are fully disclosed to all relevant parties, including the learner, their legal guardian, or any applicable third party, prior to enrolment. In accordance with regulatory requirements, Railtrain does not collect more than $1,500 upfront and does not charge for services that have not yet been delivered. Where total course fees exceed $1,500, payments are collected in agreed in instalments.

Comprehensive information regarding fees, charges, and refunds is available in the Fees, Charges, Refunds and Cancellations Policy, which can be accessed via the Railtrain Student Information page.

Complaints, Appeals & Feedback

Railtrain delivers high quality services to all learners. To ensure this is achieved as a learner we will seek your feedback to continually improve our services.

Railtrain has a formal complaints and appeals process, timeframes and the process including the form can be found on Railtrain’s Student Information page.

Railtrain encourages feedback from all learners as a valuable way to meet learner needs and ensure the service delivered is of a continual high standard. Learners are requested to complete feedback surveys throughout and at conclusion of training. Ongoing feedback throughout course duration can be submitted in writing via trainers or RTO Training Coordinators.