Freightliner hosted business leaders on September 27, 2023, to celebrate the opening of its second Operational Training Academy, which is located in the 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.
Tim Shoveller, the new CEO of Freightliner, was introduced by Tony Millington, Academy Manager, at the event’s opening. Tim’s speech focused on the advantages of the site’s location for providing ERTMS training to Freightliner’s north-based staff as well as its proximity to Wabtec, who will be completing the fitment of Freightliner’s first-in-class 66V locomotive with ETCS technology. Before introducing Dame Rosie Winterton, Member of Parliament, Tim spoke of upcoming milestones; first with the delivery of Freightliner’s first Maintenance Training Rig at Midland Road and then the arrival of the Full Cab Simulators; which will undergo their Factory Acceptance Testing in the coming weeks.
Rosie Winterton began her speech by informing attendees about the history of rail in Doncaster and how it has become inextricably linked with the city’s identity. She praised the academy’s mission and decision to locate it in central Doncaster, saying, “With the roll-out of new digital signalling, Freightliner’s Training Academy – which has been funded by Network Rail through the East Coast Digital Programme – will be at the centre of a significant and positive change to the freight industry.”
Following the speeches, the academy was officially opened with a ribbon cutting and plaque unveiling to mark the occasion. Attendees were invited to enjoy lunch, networking, and demonstrations on the ultra-light simulators.
The Freightliner ERTMS Team wishes a huge thank you to every who managed to attend.
