A new Training Centre of Excellence has been officially opened by DB Cargo UK at its Headquarters in Doncaster, South Yorkshire.

The company has opened the centre to prepare for the introduction of the European Train Control System (ETCS), which is a new in-cab signalling system that will eventually replace the present signalling systems throughout the UK.

Ed Akers, the Industry Partnership Director at the East Coast Digital Programme and Cllr Julie Grace, the Civic Mayor of Doncaster, officially opened the centre yesterday, Thursday, 28th November.

Housed in the centre is a full cab simulator of a Class 66 diesel locomotive, six ultra-light simulators, two instructor stations, training rooms, an agile breakout area, study rooms, and a kitchen.

From the beginning of the project, environmental sustainability was the key to planning, design, and construction of the Centre. Wherever possible, use was made of recycled materials and the most energy-efficient technologies.

Funding for the centre has come through the long-term deployment programme , which aims to ensure that the freight sector is ready for implementation of the European Train Control System , and was set up in partnership with the East Coast Digital Programme.

DB Cargo UK has also invested in another facility at its depot in Wembley in North-West London, and a Mobile Training Facility which can be made available to key strategic throughout the UK.

The deployment of digital in-cab signalling will allow rail freight to operate more efficiently and reliably, contribute to its growth, and help to reduce carbon emissions. Its success depends on all staff, including drivers, ground staff, maintenance staff, and engineers, being trained in the ‘next generation’ of railway operations.

Facilities such as the Doncaster test centre are critical to ensuring that staff have the skills and confidence for the new ways of working.

To gauge some idea of the scale involved in rolling out the European Train Control System, in Germany, around 13,000 locomotives and multiple units in Germany need to be retrofitted to use the system. 

“Doncaster has a long and rich association with the rail industry, so it is entirely fitting that we chose our headquarters in the city to host one of our new training centres of excellence. At DB Cargo UK we have more than 600 drivers, more than 400 ground staff and over 600 engineers, so it’s fair to say that this centre, and the others we have developed with funding from Network Rail, will play a pivotal role in training a new generation of rail staff.”

Neil Ethell, DB Cargo UK’s Chief Operating Officer