If you’re seeking a career in a satisfying role, there’s no better time to pursue your dreams and relocate overseas. Australia continues to roll out many major rail projects and Arc Infrastructure is seeking talented employees to help manage and operate its huge rail network and infrastructure.
Arc Infrastructure operates the only freight rail network in the southern half of Western Australia and connects the country’s western and eastern states, making it a vital part of the economy of Western Australia. With over 500 employees located across the network, the company has invested over $2 billion in rail infrastructure in the past 20 years.
Signallers/train controllers’ experience wanted
Arc Infrastructure is currently searching for network controllers, referred to as signallers in the UK. The company’s network control team forms a critical part of its business, holding responsibility for the safe and effective monitoring and control of services across its entire rail network. The network controller role shares many of the same aspects as that of a signaller, with some additional responsibilities.
Daniel worked in the UK rail industry for eight years in a variety of roles including as a track worker and signaller, before making the move to Arc Infrastructure as a network controller in 2024. He relocated to Perth, Western Australia with his young family and was in the first cohort of new UK recruits as part of Arc Infrastructure’s ongoing UK recruitment drive for network controllers.
“You are responsible for everything that happens on the rail network, in terms of train movements to protecting staff on the ground who may be doing maintenance,” says Daniel.
“You’re the first response for any hazards or incidents on the railway, so you’ll be the person to organise fire, police, or ambulance if required. You’ll also be required to report any faults that come in and get in contact with the relevant people.”
While the role differs slightly in Australia, Daniel says the breadth of his involvement across different aspects of network operations has been a great experience.
“The fact you get to see the entire process from start to finish and see all aspects of the railway is definitely a positive. You’re completely involved in pretty much everything.”
Valued workforce
Arc Infrastructure promotes a close team environment where the skills, ideas, and experiences of all staff are valued. It provides a wide range of employee benefits including competitive pay, access to training and development, and discounted health, home, and car insurance.
The company provides a range of health and wellbeing initiatives including fitness challenges and annual skin checks. Employees often take part in volunteering, team sport activities, and team building days. The company puts its employees at the heart of its business and works to ensure staff feel safe, valued, and fulfilled in the work they do.
For those who make the decision to relocate, Arc Infrastructure makes every effort to make the process as seamless as possible.
“I thought the package on offer from Arc was too good to be true. It was literally a golden ticket in my opinion,” says Daniel. “They gave me a job that I was practically qualified to do, and arranged my entry into the country and all the financial aspects around that. They essentially gave me a jump start in a new life, here in Australia.”
A change of scene
There are countless reasons to join Arc Infrastructure. For one, Western Australia boasts a strong, resilient economy and secure, quality employment opportunities for the long term. The State Government is undertaking a large-scale public infrastructure works program and rail is a major beneficiary of this.
The state is Australia’s largest, and is set across vast, rugged, landscape. When the workday is over, you can choose your own adventure, whether that’s in the countryside, by the coast, or in the city. Finally, who could say no to warm weather and world-class surf? It’s as far removed from the brief summers and regular drizzle of the UK as you could hope.
“I’d probably say the biggest reason we made this move, was for our kids,” says Daniel. “Purely because this lifestyle is much more outdoors oriented than in the UK. There are so many free things to do here. You can go to a park and spend the entire day there and have BBQs, the weather is there for it. Or you can go to any of the stunning beaches. It’s just endless.”
If you’re concerned about relocating, consider the fact that Australia shares many similarities with the UK, so there’ll be no surprises. One of the key benefits that UK rail staff report is that there’s no culture shock when you arrive. There’s no language barrier either, so you can get to work straight away in a role that’s familiar.
You will also be well supported when you start your new role. Successful applicants will be offered excellent training, initially shadowing current members of the team to develop their skills and knowledge in the areas of scheduling, rail safeworking, and all other areas required for the role of a network controller.
“The training was brilliant,” says Daniel. “It really instilled the methods and practices that they have in Australia and it really prepared everyone in my cohort. We all picked it up more quickly than we anticipated because we spent so long in the classroom. It all fell into place really quickly.”
Make the move
Any individuals with skills and experience in signalling, and who are considering a major change of scene, should consider Western Australia and Arc Infrastructure.
“In terms of the company, management and other controllers have been very supportive because they understand that the transition is massive, and that you don’t really know anyone when you arrive. Everyone has been great,” Daniel says.
“I feel like the company genuinely really looks out for their staff, down to the smallest details. My experience has been nothing but positive since I’ve got here.”
Your knowledge, experience and fresh perspective is exactly what Arc Infrastructure needs as it continues to thrive and improve Western Australia’s network with a number of new exciting projects. A move to Arc Infrastructure may be the best decision you’ve ever made.
If you’re open to the opportunity of a lifetime Arc Infrastructure will be in the UK to interview on the following dates:
London, 4-8 March
Manchester, 11-14 March
Main image: iStockphoto.com
