Northern has unveiled six new train simulators that will help develop the train crews of the future. The simulators, which are the most realistic in the UK, will provide driver, conductors and other rail apprentices with a full working cab environment.
The simulators feature 400 miles of track across Northern's network, as well as a variety of different scenarios, including rush hour traffic, adverse weather conditions, and emergency situations. This will allow apprentices to gain valuable experience in a safe and controlled environment before they start driving trains on the real network. As part of the training centre, four classrooms will be added with 24 static replicas of the drivers' cab that will be used for additional training.
Northern is the first train operator in the UK to use motion platform simulators and is hoping to open training academies in Leeds and Manchester once it has found locations big enough to house the simulators.
Lisa Leighton, people director at Northern, said: “We have around 3,500 drivers and conductors based across our network and welcome approximately 400 new starters into these crucial roles every year.
“They’re the backbone of our operation and it’s vital we invest in facilities to train them to the highest standard before they enter the real-world environment.”
The simulators are being delivered by SIM Factor, a leading Polish firm that specializes in train simulators, and is expected to be delivered to Northern by the end of 2024 with the simulators ready for the first trainees in 2025.
Michal Wierzbicki, vice president of SIM Factor, said: “We consider the recognition of SIM Factor with such a large project as a special distinction, but above all, as a commitment. After many successes in the European Union, we want to surprise the market once again with the quality and uniqueness of the solutions we will design especially for Northern.”
In 2022, Northern was officially recognised by Ofsted as a ‘Main Provider’ of apprenticeships, a status that enables them to offer their industry-leading training services to other train operators and rail industry organisations.
Photo Credit: Northern
