Traffic Control

What can I do as a Traffic Controller?

The primary duty of traffic controllers is to ensure the safety of all workers and road users. They have the skills and professional knowledge to safely stop and direct the flow of vehicles and machinery on roads and work sites. Typical duties and responsibilities include:

• directing the flow of traffic and pedestrians
• setting up signage and safety barriers
• applying traffic control plans
• cleaning and maintaining signs and equipment

Can I make a career out of Traffic Controlling?

Yes, the traffic control industry employs people across a variety of worksites in casual, part-time, and permanent positions. The best way to find a traffic control job is to browse the advertised positions regularly posted by traffic control companies on various jobseeker website across Australia. You could also reach out to local traffic control companies and enquire about available positions.

How much does a traffic controller earn?

As with many jobs it all really depends on who you end up working with or for, and there are a lot of factors that can come into that. All that said, according to Indeed.com and Tallent.com the average paycheque for a traffic controller is somewhere between $28-$30/hour (or upwards of $54,000/year).

Do all people who control traffic need accreditation?

People employed to conduct the following duties must have either a current RMS issued Traffic Control card or a NSW SafeWork Traffic Control Work Training Card:

• direct traffic in accordance with a work zone traffic management plan
• implement a worksite traffic management plan in the immediate vicinity of a workplace
• design (including vary) or inspect work zone traffic management plans

The only people who do not require qualifications are school crossing supervisors, heavy vehicle inspectors, emergency service personnel, defence, and commonwealth employees.

How do I get my traffic control licence?

There are two components to getting your TCWT card: the practical training and the final assessment. Here at 123 Training Solutions, we offer two traffic control training courses: RIISS00054 and RIISS00055.

• RIISS00054 Traffic Controller, formally known as a Blue Card, addresses the skills and knowledge required for those who stop and start traffic in temporary traffic management.
• RIISS00055 Implement Traffic Control Guidance Plan, formally known as Yellow Card, address the skills and knowledge required for those responsible for implementing worksite traffic control plans and road workers under their direction.

Students who have completed only the training will be issued with a Statement of Completion which allows them to carry out supervised work. To receive your SafeWork NSW TWCT card, you will need to provide evidence demonstrating that you have applied the skills and knowledge in the workplace. Evidence may include a supervisor statement, work log, or workplace documents. You will be contacted by your assessor for verification and finalisation. Once your assessor is satisfied with your evidence and experience, you will be eligible to sit the final onsite assessment.

Upon successful completion of both the training course and the onsite assessment, participants will be issued a SafeWork NSW TCWT card. After obtaining the necessary traffic controller accreditation, you may begin employment in this industry.

How much does the course cost?

Our traffic control courses here at 123 Training Solutions are both run over the same 3 days. The Traffic Controller Skillset costs $330 and the Traffic Management Implementer Skill Set costs $380. This includes training and assessment, and we do not charge any hidden fees for the SafeWork NSW cards, or for the assessment.

We reccomend you do both courses together at the same time, and also give a $65 discount when doing both courses together.

What units of competency are covered?

The unit of competency covered in RIISS000554 are:

• RIIWHS201E – Work safely and follow WHS policies and work procedures
• RIICOM201E – Communicate in the workplace
• RIIWHS205E – Control traffic with a stop-slow bat
• RIIWHS206 – Control traffic with portable traffic control devices and temporary traffic signs

The unit of competency covered in RIISS00055 are:

• RIIWHS201E – Work Safely and follow WHS policies and procedures
• RIICOM201E – Communicate in the workplace
• RIIRIS301E – Apply risk management process
• RIIWHS302E – Implement traffic management plans
• RIIWHS303 – Position, set-up and program portable traffic control devices

Where can I do traffic control training?

• Newcastle Traffic Control
• Coffs Harbour Traffic Control
• Tamworth Traffic Control
• Central Coast Traffic Control

I have a NSW SafeWork TWCT card but not a White Card, what do I need to do?

Before you can commence work, you will need to obtain a Construction Induction Qualification known in NSW as a white card. Worksites where traffic controllers work are all considered construction sites and thus, any person entering the site needs to hold a current white card.

How long is a White Card valid for?

White cards do not expire if you continue to work in the construction industry. If you have not worked in the industry for more than 2 years, SafeWork NSW recommends you attend a course to ensure your knowledge stays current with industry practises.

How long after doing my course will I receive my licence?

Once you've completed the course, the onsite assessments, and the accompanying paperwork, SafeWork NSW typically dispatches card within 3 weeks.

What are the course requirements and age restrictions?

You must be at least 17 years old on the day the training commences.

In addition to the age requirement, students must also have a Unique Student Identifier (USI), be able to speak and read English, and understand Australian road signs.

How long is my qualification valid?

Your NSW SafeWork TCWT card does not expire although it is recommended you complete a refresher every 2 years to stay up to date with industry practises.

Given the card is now issued by NSW SafeWork, cards issued by the RMS, as the previous regulator, will expire 3 years after the issue date.

How do I renew my card(s)?

If you currently hold an RMS issued card you may be eligible for recognition of your existing skills. Give us a call to talk about your options.