A prospective traffic controller must undergo specific training and obtain prescribed qualifications. Whether one is employed by an official Australian traffic department or by a private company he or she must comply with applicable legal requirements.
Basic requirements to be employed as a traffic controller
In most Australian States and territories one
- has to be an 18 years or older Australian citizen with a valid drivers licence,
- has completed an applicable training course,
- qualified for a White Card,
- has been accredited by a state or territory,
- passed a physical examination.
Procedure to follow
To qualify for an Australian traffic control job, one has to do the following:
Verify your USI number
To enrol for accredited training, one needs a Unique Student Identifier (USI) number. If the prospective controller doesn’t have such a number already, it must be obtained before enrolling.
Ensure that your driver’s licence is valid
To be a traffic controller one has to have a valid drivers licence. For training and traffic control jobs Perth, however, one doesn’t need a current licence as long a the person previously had a licence recognised by the Western Australian authorities.
Obtain your White Card
Traffic management is considered part of the construction industry. Therefore it is expected from a traffic controller to obtain a White Card. Training providers can assist in obtaining the card online.
Enrol for and successfully complete an applicable course
If one has not a specific state in made for a job but is prepared to work anywhere in Australia, such a person can enrol for a traffic control course nearby. If one has a specific state in mind, it is better to attend a course in that specific state or territory.
Candidates must successfully complete the theoretical course at an institution approved by the relevant authorities. The course can be completed online.
Get trained in the practical skills and get accredited
After completion of the theoretical training, the student learns practical skills in a simulated environment. Candidates who have successfully completed the whole training programme receive a statement of competence issued by the authorities.
The candidate then applies for a licence (accreditation). The licence/accreditation is essential. After the licence has been granted, it is valid for 3 years. To maintain accreditation after 3 years, the controller must attend a refreshment course provided by a registered organisation.
Last step
The final step in becoming a traffic controller is to apply for and accept a job.
