Jacob builds his career as a train driver

For Adelaide NDIS participant Jacob, trains aren’t just a passion, they are now his career. At 24, Jacob has reached his dream of becoming a train driver. His journey reflects years of hard work, determination, and the right supports.

Jacob’s love for trains began early. After his parents separated, he and his brother spent hours commuting between homes. For Jacob, those trips became a classroom. He learned every route, signal, and schedule. Focusing on one day driving trains himself, Jacob said ‘I wanted to make sure everyone got home safely.’ As a teenager, Jacob turned his passion into a project. Using a video platform he built a train-driving simulator, recreating Adelaide’s rail network complete with tracks, signals, and speeds. So detailed, his simulator earned him credits in his formal training.

Knowing the job path he wanted to follow, Jacob asked a local train driver for advice. He enrolled in the “Safely Access the Rail Corridor” course and studied during the day, all while working full-time as a night-fill manager.

‘It wasn’t easy, but I knew what I wanted,’ he said. And Jacob’s hard work paid off. He finished the course, passed, and joined the next train driver intake pool.

Jacob said his autism gives him a unique edge in the routine-driven role. ‘It’s where I’m at my best,’ he said. The quiet driver’s cab also helps him manage his social anxiety, helping him to focus and thrive.

NDIS supports played a key role in Jacob’s success. Jacob has accessed occupational and speech therapies and been supported to build his life and social skills, all building his capacity to live and work independently.

Jacob said Feros Care local area coordinator Michael has supported him in his journey. ‘We saw each other at Try Before You Ride. It’s a Gawler Railway Station annual event Feros Care co-host to help people with disability confidently use the trains,’ he said.

‘Michael is great. He really knows his stuff and he created a plan that suited me perfectly.’ Today, Jacob thrives in his role. ‘Helping people get where they need to go safely – it’s everything I’ve ever wanted,’ he said. Away from work, Jacob is building his own home. It’s clear his strong will and focus are 2 of several qualities in his nature.

Jacob story shows with the right supports, people with disability can reach their goals. ‘Autism and social anxiety shouldn’t stop anyone from being who they want to be,’ he said.