But TO minimum requirement is Nitec Cert but BC only need sec2
cert, why is it that need Sec2 qualification?
Train drivers need to know electric basics including circuit
breakers which are common on trains and learn signalling (which
involve electric basics as well) among many other stuff... A Nitec
certification would come in handy, they are like engineers on the
tracks, the first line of 'defense' against common train
problems.
As a small comparison, JR East promotes its Train Driver (運転士)
salary as 167900 JPY (2560 SGD) for graduates of the same level as
required here (with a maximum of 180600 JPY/2750 SGD), with
provision for city allowance (more allowance if you are staying
in/near Tokyo than away, up to 15 percent of your basic salary).
Transportation on company lines free, 30 percent discount on
company hospital bills, accomodation subsidy etc.
However for them, it takes many years to become a train driver,
most importantly you get a national license (just like your car
license) to drive a train. 2 to 3 years as staff in stations, then
another similar period as a train conductor (safety recognition and
announcement duties) before you take a year or so of courses, go
through a national exam, drive as a trainee driver and then
on to become a full-fledged train driver and obtain a
certified national license. Overall it takes about 10 years to
finish the training.
Thats what makes a real difference between a train driver there
and an operator here.
Bus drivers wise the pay is about the same of 2000 to 2500 SGD
converted.