If you enjoy working outdoors and in a team to ensure the safety of road users for civil construction projects, why not consider working as a traffic controller? Here is a quick guide to what traffic controllers do, how to get qualified and possibly find your next job in this fast growing labour market.
What do traffic controllers do?
You have undoubtedly seen a few traffic controllers in your life. They are an integral part of Australia’s road system. Their main role is to direct traffic and keep those who work on or around roads, rails and bridges safe.
They are also responsible for ensuring road safety by setting up, maintaining and pulling down road signs and devices in addition to controlling traffic with a stop/slow bat. If you are working with a team, chances are you will be working up to 10 hours a day to coincide with the rest of the team’s activities on the road. Since you will be spending majority of the time outdoors, you will also need to be comfortable working in all weather conditions.
Safety is a core part of the job. Traffic controllers are responsible for maintaining the safety of all road users and workers while reducing the impact of road works on the road network. To carry out this task, traffic controllers need to adhere to strict dress standards by wearing the correct PPE which includes a hi-vis vest (visible in any lighting / weather condition), hard hat and cut-resistant gloves and steel toe boots. Depending on the worksite, PPE requirements might also include safety glasses and earplugs to prevent injury to your eyes and ears respectively.
How can I get a job as a traffic controller?
Now that you know what the day-to-day life of a traffic controller is like, let’s discuss how you can land a job as a traffic controller. You need to meet the following requirements:
- You need to be at least 18 years of age and have or have had a valid driver’s license.
- You need to have a valid White Card. If you don’t have yours yet, enrol in our upcoming White Card Training course in Perth or Bunbury. In addition to traffic management, a White Card is one of the main requirements to enter the construction industry so it’s always good to have one to be eligible for different job opportunities.
- Most importantly, it is a mandatory requirement to undertake the MainRoads WA accredited Basic Worksite Traffic Management & Traffic Controller course with a Registered Training Organisation like Nara. We deliver this course at our Perth and Bunbury training locations. You will gain both theoretical knowledge and practical training experience in traffic management and get the skills and knowledge required to implement traffic, install and maintain traffic management signs and conduct traffic control using a stop-slow bat.
- Once you have successfully completed this training course, register with a recruitment / employment agency such as Skill Hire to find employment. Have a look at current job opportunities available with Skill Hire.
You can enquire about getting your Basic Worksite Traffic Management & Traffic Controller ticket or check the the upcoming course calendar.
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