On 2 May, Freightliner opened its first operational training academy. Located on the 7th Floor of Ipswich’s St Vincent House, the normally studious site was opened to host guests from Freightliner, Network Rail, Department for Transport and Ipswich’s own Mayor, Mr. John Cook.
Guests were welcomed by MD- Rail Services, Blake Jones speaking about the growth of Freightliner’s own ERTMS team and the progress made by East Coast Digital Programme over the previous 10 years – taking the time to comment on how the site went from conceptualisation to reality in eight months. He closed by thanking everyone who contributed to the site’s success.
Blake Jones and Becky Lumlock then joined Toufic Machnouk, Director Industry Partnership for Digital Railway, The Mayor of Ipswich and Ed Akers, Principal Programme Sponsor, East Coast Digital and Blake to cut the ribbon, officially opening the academy.
The academy, which is funded funded by Network Rail as part of the East Coast Digital Programme (ECDP), marks a major milestone for both Freightliner and ECDP as the first location dedicated to training of drivers on ERTMS operations.
Attendees were encouraged to learn more about the ERTMS programme from team members on site. On display were various learning tools, including the ultra-light simulators, which guests were encouraged to try out.
The ERTMS Team would like to express their gratitude to all who contributed towards the successful opening of Ipswich Training Academy.
