Transport for NSW

Laboratory Officer in TrainingTechnical Services Traineeship

May 2021 | Version: 1

Road construction materials testing industry

Are you interested in a career in Civil Engineering and looking for a challenging, on-the-job training experience? Then the Road Designer in Training program might be for you. You’ll receive hands-on training in assisting with laboratory and/or field operations for investigations, testing, trials or construction in the geotechnical, materials or pavements areas to provide accurate and reliable information for road infrastructure development, construction, operation and maintenance.

You will work on challenging road design projects across NSW and also have an opportunity to learn from inspiring leaders and experts from other fields such as survey, geo-tech, bridge and urban design. This program gives you an excellent chance to play a key role in shaping the future of our road infrastructure and support our communities.

Benefits of the Laboratory Trainee Program

• On-the-job training while you earn a wage

• Tuition from TAFE with fees paid by Transport for NSW

• Opportunity to learn ‘hands-on’ skills

• Excellent career and learning opportunities

• Nationally recognised lifetime qualification on successful completion

• Flexible work and study arrangements

• Access to mentors

Customer Focus

We put the customer at the centre of everything

we do

Integrity We take

responsibility and

communicate openly

Collaboration We value each

other and create better

outcomes by working together

Solutions We deliver sustainable

and innovation solutions for

NSW transport needs

Safety We priortise safety for our

people and our customers

Build your future with Transport for NSW

Transport for NSW is one of Australia’s biggest public sector agencies, with more than 25,000 employees and an annual budget of $14.5 billion. This unprecedented investment in state wide infrastructure, makes it an exciting time to join us.

When you join Transport for NSW you become part of a forward-thinking organisation, which continually improves the delivery of safe and efficient journeys across NSW. You’ll have the chance to work on history making projects and provide a difference to the communities and businesses of NSW.

Our Values

Our values define who we are and how we do things. They are the beliefs that guide our actions and behaviour. They influence the way we work with each other, the way we serve our customers and how we engage with stakeholders.

Testimonials - Feedback from 2021 Laboratory Trainees

Rach Parkinson Lab Officer in Training, Newcastle

I had been working in Traffic Control for a couple of years and was looking for a career change, and when I saw the Laboratory Technical Officer traineeship on the I Work for NSW Website I thought it sounded like a great opportunity. It’s been a really supportive learning environment, and seeing parts of the Engineering process that most people never get to see is fascinating. I’m enjoying learning all the new skills, and its great being able to get a qualification from TAFE at the same time. I would definitely recommend the experience to anyone considering it.

Charlie Campbell Lab Officer in Training, Bowenfels

Taking the lab trainee program has been one of the best decisions in my early working career. Finishing year 12, not sure on what to do, wanting a job but also wanting to get some sort of accreditation I was unsure of what to follow. Luckily this lab trainee program allows you to do both, get hands on experience and work in the lab, whilst getting a cert 4 in Laboratory Techniques at the end of it! I would strongly recommend this program to anyone considering it.

Lucy Serventy Lab Officer in Training, Ballina

Before becoming a trainee at Transport, I had no idea about the work involved in making and maintaining a road. I have learnt so much in the short time I’ve been here, and I am excited about everything else I’ll learn at this traineeship.

What is involved?

All trainees undergo a comprehensive and thorough training program for two years. The traineeship combines both ‘on the job’ (practical) and ‘off the job’ (theory) training.

You will learn your practical skills on the job, working with fully qualified technicians and become involved with day to day laboratory tests, such as compaction control, material classification and collecting stockpile samples for auditing and field investigations. Practical skills will also be learnt through a TAFE course leading to a Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques.

At Transport for NSW, your TAFE course fees will be paid for. Any other relevant training, such as understanding workplace safety and meeting environmental controls on site will also be provided.

What we are looking for

• Highly motivated individuals

• Team players

• Good communication skills

• Ability to exercise discretion

Eligibility

• Completion of Year 12 (Higher School Certificate) or equivalent

• Good standards in mathematics and science subjects

Common tasks in the laboratory

• Prepare and test soil, asphalt and concrete samples

• Prepare calculations for test results and submit test certificates

• Calibrate test equipment

• Conduct testing on new and existing road sites

• Extract soil and pavement materials from roads, including sampling from stockpiles, to test their properties

• Conduct audits on quarry and road construction sites

Duration

The duration of this traineeship is 24 months.

The successful applicant will be required to comply with responsibilities relating to the terms of the Training Contract as a Trainee, which includes attending structured training and the attainment of Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques (Road Industry).

Locations Transport for NSW have offices throughout NSW and the laboratories are in regional locations.

• Northern – Ballina, Grafton, Tamworth, Port Macquarie

• Hunter – Newcastle

• Western – Parkes, Bowenfels

• South West – Wagga Wagga

• Southern – Russell Vale, Bega

How to apply

The positions are advertised between September and November every year. Visit Transport for NSW website: https://roads-waterways.transport.nsw.gov.au/about/careers/working-with-us/employment-programs/electrical-designer-in-training.html

For any enquiries please contact: rditcoordinator@transport.nsw.gov.au

roads-waterways.transport.nsw.gov.au

Parramatta

Newcastle

Bega

Grafton

Tamworth

Port Macquarie

Bowenfels

Ballina

Wagga Wagga

Parkes

Russell Vale