Metronet is the largest public transport infrastructure project in Western Australia’s history. With multiple rail lines being extended, new stations being built, and level crossings being removed across Perth, Metronet is generating thousands of construction jobs — and will continue to do so for years.
Here’s what tradespeople and construction workers in Perth need to know about Metronet jobs.
What Is Metronet?
Metronet is the WA Government’s plan to transform Perth’s public transport network. The program includes:
- Thornlie-Cockburn Link — a new rail line connecting the Thornlie and Mandurah lines
- Yanchep Rail Extension — extending the Joondalup line north to Yanchep
- Morley-Ellenbrook Line — a new line from Bayswater to Ellenbrook via Morley
- High Capacity Signalling — upgrading the Joondalup and Mandurah lines for more frequent services
- Byford Rail Extension — extending the Armadale line south to Byford
- Level Crossing Removals — removing dangerous level crossings across Perth
- New Stations — building new train stations at multiple locations
- Railcar Procurement — new C-series railcars manufactured locally
Which Trades Are Needed?
Metronet construction requires a wide range of construction trades and skills:
Civil Construction
- Earthmoving operators — excavators, bulldozers, graders, rollers
- Civil labourers — drainage, earthworks, paving
- Concretors — station platforms, retaining walls, bridge structures
- Steel fixers — reinforcement for concrete structures
- Formworkers — concrete formwork for bridges, tunnels, and station structures
- Pipe layers — stormwater, sewer, and services relocation
Structural and Building
- Carpenters — formwork, general construction, station fit-out
- Boilermakers and welders — structural steel, rail infrastructure
- Steel erectors and riggers — structural steel for stations and bridges
- Scaffolders — access for construction at height
- Concretors — foundations, slabs, and structural pours
Electrical and Mechanical
- Electricians — power distribution, lighting, signalling, communications
- Instrumentation technicians — signalling systems, track circuits, detection equipment
- Plumbers — hydraulic services, fire services, station amenities
- HVAC mechanics — station ventilation and air conditioning
- Communications cablers — data and fibre networks
Rail-Specific
- Track workers — laying, maintaining, and aligning rail tracks
- Signalling technicians — installing and commissioning rail signalling systems
- Overhead wiring specialists — installing and maintaining overhead line equipment
- Rail welders — thermit welding of rail joints
General
- Crane operators — heavy lifts for bridge beams, station structures, and equipment
- Traffic controllers — managing traffic around construction zones
- General labourers — site preparation, materials handling, and support
- Painters — industrial and commercial painting of structures and stations
Metronet Pay and Conditions
Metronet construction is governed by enterprise bargaining agreements (EBAs) that typically offer:
- Above-award hourly rates
- Overtime and penalty rates for weekend and shift work
- Site allowances
- Redundancy provisions
- Income protection insurance
- Travel and fares allowances
As a guide, tradespeople on Metronet and similar infrastructure projects in Perth earn:
- Construction labourer (EBA): $70,000 to $90,000
- Tradesperson (EBA): $100,000 to $140,000
- Operator (EBA): $90,000 to $130,000
- Foreman/supervisor: $120,000 to $160,000
Actual earnings depend on the specific EBA, overtime worked, and the role.
Who Are the Metronet Contractors?
Several major construction companies are delivering Metronet projects, including joint ventures between international and local contractors. These companies recruit directly and through recruitment agencies.
Subcontractors in civil, structural, electrical, mechanical, and specialist trades also supply workers to Metronet projects.
How to Get a Job on Metronet
Register With Recruitment Agencies
Many Metronet positions are filled through labour hire and recruitment agencies. Perth Trades Recruitment works with contractors involved in Metronet and can connect qualified tradespeople with opportunities.
Apply Directly to Contractors
Major contractors running Metronet projects advertise positions on their own websites and on job boards like Seek and Indeed. Check regularly for openings matching your trade and experience.
Get the Right Tickets
Metronet sites require standard construction tickets plus additional safety requirements:
- White card (mandatory)
- Rail safety awareness (specific to rail corridor work)
- First aid
- Working at heights
- Trade-specific licences
- National Police Clearance (required for most government infrastructure projects)
Build Relevant Experience
Experience on infrastructure, civil, or rail projects gives you an advantage. If you haven’t worked on rail before, civil construction experience is the most transferable.
Working on Rail Projects — What’s Different?
Rail construction has some unique aspects compared to standard building construction:
- Night and weekend work: Much rail work happens outside normal hours when trains aren’t running — expect shift work, night shifts, and weekend possessions
- Safety requirements: Rail corridors have strict safety protocols beyond standard construction sites — rail safety inductions, track protection, and specific PPE requirements
- Linear worksite: Rail projects stretch over long distances rather than being contained on one site — you may work at different locations along the corridor
- Interface with live services: Some work happens near live rail lines, requiring strict safety procedures
The Future of Rail Construction in Perth
Metronet isn’t the end — it’s the beginning. Perth’s continued growth means ongoing investment in public transport infrastructure. Future projects will include further rail extensions, station upgrades, and additional level crossing removals.
Tradespeople who build experience on Metronet will be well-positioned for future rail and infrastructure projects in Perth and across Australia.
Find Metronet and Infrastructure Jobs Through Perth Trades Recruitment
Perth Trades Recruitment connects tradespeople with construction opportunities on Metronet and other major infrastructure projects across Perth. If you have the skills and tickets for infrastructure construction, we can help you find the right role.
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Contact Perth Trades Recruitment to explore Metronet construction opportunities.