Thursday 28 Sep 2023
Network Rail and Freightliner open a brand-new operational training academy in Doncaster
- Region & Route:
- Eastern
- | Eastern: East Coast
On 27th September 2023, Network Rail and Freightliner hosted industry leaders to celebrate the official opening of its second Operational Training Academy, located in Doncaster Frenchgate Centre. The Operational Training Academy will prepare Freightliner’s freight train drivers for the introduction of in-cab digital signalling on the East Coast Main Line - South.
The academy, funded by Network Rail as part of the East Coast Digital Programme (ECDP), marks another milestone for both ECDP and Freightliner as the second location dedicated to upskilling of drivers on European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) operations. The site’s location further promotes Freightliner’s investment in its northern operations.
Ed Akers, Principal Programme Sponsor, ECDP, at Network Rail, said: “The success of ECDP depends on equipping people with the digital skills needed for ‘next generation’ railway operations. Facilities like these provide an excellent environment for giving drivers the competence and confidence required. Freightliner continues to be an integral partner in this change programme as we progress towards a railway that is more flexible, reliable, greener and even safer.”
Commenting on the significance of the academy's location, Tim Shoveller, CEO at Freightliner Group/Genesee & Wyoming UK/Europe, said: "The Doncaster Training Academy’s close proximity to Wabtec, where our first-in-class locomotives will be fitted with European Train Control System technology, epitomises our commitment to cutting-edge advancements in rail operations."
On 2 May 2023, Freightliner opened its Ipswich Training Academy to serve its south based employees. The opening of this new Training Academy in Doncaster will ensure northern based employees receive consistent levels of training. Beyond its role in training, Freightliner envisions these academies as spaces for fostering connectivity and collaboration among ECDP colleagues.
During the opening event, attendees were encouraged to learn more about the ERTMS programme from team members on and through various learning tools, including the ultra-light simulators, which guests were encouraged to try out.
To learn more about ERTMS and the East Coast Digital Programme, visit: https://ertms.freightliner.co.uk/
Notes to Editors
About ECDP
The East Coast Digital Programme will see the first introduction of ETCS to an intercity mainline in Great Britain and will provide the foundation for the future expansion of digital signalling across the network.
In the first stage, digital signalling is being introduced on the Northern City Line, between Finsbury Park and Moorgate. It is then being progressively rolled out on the southern section of the East Coast Main Line (between London King’s Cross and the Stoke Tunnels, near Grantham).
It is expected that the first trains to operate on the East Coast Main Line using digital signalling technology will run in 2025, with all improvements expected to be completed by 2030.
About G&W/ Freightliner
A part of Genesee & Wyoming Inc. (G&W), Freightliner is the UK's largest maritime intermodal logistics operator, transporting containers from all major deep-sea ports to our national network of inland terminals, as well as a leading operator in the UK Heavy Haul rail freight market. Pentalver, a sister brand to Freightliner, is a leading UK container logistics services provider.
Globally, G&W is a market leading owner and operator of freight railroads owning or leasing 115 freight railroads worldwide with 7,000 employees servicing 3,000 customers.
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