Unit of competency details

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

Performance criteria describe the required performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide.

1 

Prepare to manage train planning 

1.1

Goals of train planning are identified and explained

1.2

Principal factors involved in train planning are identified and outlined

1.3

Resources required for train planning are identified, explained and obtained

1.4

Methods by which train planning performance can be measured are identified and implemented

2 

Develop and implement strategies to optimise train planning 

2.1

Factors that contribute to optimal train planning are identified and explained

2.2

Strategies for ensuring optimal train planning is maintained are developed and implemented

2.3

Methods by which optimal train planning performance can be measured are developed and applied

2.4

Strategies are communicated to relevant personnel

This section describes the knowledge and skills required for this unit.

Required knowledge: 

• Capacity of network

• Changes in rail industry operations and technology with implications for rail planning

• Duty holders:

• contractors

• designers, manufacturers, suppliers, commissioners, erectors and installers

• de-commissioners

• managers of private sidings

• rail safety workers

• rail transport operators (rail infrastructure managers and/or rolling stock operators)

• How you match maintenance requirements with operational requirements

• Key concepts and definitions relating to rail operations

• Key principles and practices associated with railway operations

• Key regulatory requirements and standards for participants in the rail industry

• Location of maintenance depots

• Rail industry and rail industry terminology, including terminology used in technical standards

• Rail regulatory framework

• Rail safety operating principles:

• ensuring emergencies and incidents are properly managed

• ensuring interfaces between different organisations are properly defined and managed

• identifying and managing risk

• protecting persons from injury

• protecting property from damage

• track access

• train separation

• Relevance of national and international standards related to the rail industry

• Relevant information:

• audit program information

• changes to regulations

• compliance and enforcement regime

• rail regulatory requirements

• safety notices

• Relevant rail safety, work health and safety (WHS)/occupational health and safety (OHS) and environmental legislation related to train planning and running

• Train planning and management systems

Required skills: 

• Access and use rail industry standards

• Communicate effectively with others and interpret complex information relating to rail operations

• Develop and maintain currency of rail industry knowledge and regulatory requirements

• Network and build relationships with a diverse range of rail industry organisations

• Research information related to the rail industry and train planning

• Review changing regulatory information

• Work ethically in accordance with legislation

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required knowledge and skills, the range statement and the assessment guidelines for this Training Package.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit 

The evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the Elements, Performance Criteria, Required Skills, Required Knowledge and include demonstration of applying:

• required knowledge and skills
• relevant legislation and workplace procedures
• other relevant aspects of the range statement.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Performance is demonstrated consistently over time and in a suitable range of contexts.

Resources for assessment include access to:

• a range of relevant exercises, case studies and/or other simulated practical and knowledge assessment, and/or
• an appropriate range of relevant operational situations in the workplace.

In both real and simulated environments, access is required to:

• relevant and appropriate materials and equipment, and
• applicable documentation including workplace procedures, regulations, codes of practice and operation manuals.

Method of assessment 

As a minimum, assessment of knowledge must be conducted through appropriate written/oral tests.

Practical assessment must occur:

• through activities in an appropriately simulated environment, and/or
• in an appropriate range of situations in the workplace.

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance.

Train planning factors may include:

• crew management
• infrastructure constraints
• location of fleet during and after peak times
• locomotive availability
• maintenance schedules
• network capacity
• optimal departure and arrival times
• personnel availability
• physical network
• resource needs and availability
• rolling stock availability
• track access requirements
• train availability
• train services