Shortage of Train Drivers Causing Concern in Ore Mining Areas of Australia

Reports out of Australia say there is a critical shortage of train drivers especially in the Pilbara iron ore area. The train operators are planning to try and increase driver ranks by up to 45%. Brandon Craig, an iron ore asset president, told attendees at the Austmine conference recently they were “fast-tracking the delivery of critical maintenance-focused trades and qualifications,” through a their FutureFit academy. “We are also recruiting 200 new train drivers as trainees to address this critical skills shortage in WA,” Craig added. Some jobs, like train drivers, are thought to be headed towards extinction due to automation. However, this trend is proving otherwise. For now, train companies are asking drivers to work longer and additional hours.