On site training facility
In readiness for the increase in electrification projects across the network and to tackle the skills shortage in the rail industry, VolkerRail built a bespoke OLE training centre to ensure VolkerRail has suitably qualified personnel, especially high voltage designers and engineers.
Located on Carr Hill’s industrial estate in Doncaster, the new training centre was officially opened by Ros Jones, Mayor of Doncaster, in 2015.
The facility was designed to cater for existing and future overhead line system equipment and houses two 20m long training spans, which are used to undertake low level and high level training in controlled conditions.
There is also a signalling and points heating installation on ballasted track, supporting signalling, mechanical and electrical training.
These facilities provide trainees with both technical and practical experience, prior to undertaking work on the lineside.
IOSH training
Furthermore, VolkerRail has developed a bespoke training package in partnership with IOSH (Institute of Occupational Safety and Health) for managing safety in the railway industry
Delivered at the centre, in the purpose built classrooms, which are used to deliver core rail and safety training to staff in support of the practical training, the course focusses on the rail specific application of safety management, providing guidance and interpretation of construction design management (CDM) and law. This training is seen as a nationally recognised qualification.