Specialist rail training centre opens in Huddersfield

The first purpose-built rail safety centre of its kind in the North of England, has been officially opened by the Minister for Rail Huw Merriman in Huddersfield, as part of the multi-billion-pound Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU).

Rail workers will experience simulations of real-life scenarios at the Transpennine Route Upgrade Safety Training (TRUST) Centre, including actors staging immersive emergency situations, a rumbling floor for recognising incoming trains from a distance and various other multi-sensory rooms.

Training at the TRUST centre will appeal to all three sensory learning styles: visual, auditory and kinaesthetic. Dramatic recreation of scenarios, including the use of actors, will put participants within the narrative, heightening emotional awareness and empathy.

Rail Minister, Huw Merriman said: “This is a major milestone for the Transpennine Route Upgrade. Not only is the programme creating greener and more reliable services across the North, but it’s now taking vital steps to create a well-trained and highly skilled workforce. Safety remains at the heart of our railways and this centre will ensure it’s in the mind of every member of staff working on the project too.”

Neil Holm, managing director of Transpennine Route Upgrade, said: “The opening of the ground-breaking TRUST centre embodies the ethos that safety sits at the heart of the multi-billion-pound Transpennine Route Upgrade.

“We want to ensure that everybody gets home safe every day. As we work to bring cleaner, faster and better journeys between Manchester, Huddersfield, Leeds and York, the safety of our teams has never been more important.

“TRUST centre training will be undertaken by everyone working on our programme, both working in offices and on the frontline. It’s important that colleagues from planning, design, delivery and all of our functions understand how the decisions we all make are crucial when it comes to safety. Taking an immersive approach allows workers to absorb and remember their training more clearly and for longer.”

Councillor Cathy Scott, Acting Leader of Kirklees Council, says: “One of the great assets for our economy here in Kirklees is our connectivity, and the Transpennine Route Upgrade will massively enhance this.

“But as well as providing a boost to our economy in the future, this huge project is providing work and opportunities for local people right now – and that’s only set to increase as work on the TRU ramps up over the coming years. Investment like this is about long-term benefit, but long before we reach the end point of the upgrade we’ll see economic benefits and a skilled workforce for Kirklees.

“It’s fantastic to see that those delivering the TRU are being trained and upskilled using the latest technologies and, frankly, great creativity – and that the Minister of State for Transport is showing such a keen interest in this work, how it will affect our local area and local people.”

By Mark Adair – Correspondent, Bdaily

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