DB Cargo UK has launched a new training centre at its Doncaster headquarters to prepare for the rollout of the European Train Control System (ETCS).
The facility was officially opened on Thursday by Ed Akers, Industry Partnership Director for the East Coast Digital Programme (ECDP), and Doncaster’s Civic Mayor, Councillor Julie Grace.
The centre is equipped with state-of-the-art resources, including:
- A full cab simulator for the Class 66 locomotive
- Six ultra-light simulators
- Two instructor stations
- Training rooms, breakout areas, study rooms, and a kitchen
Sustainability was prioritised in the design and construction of the centre, with extensive use of recycled materials and energy-efficient technologies.
The facility is part of a broader investment that includes a second training centre at DB Cargo UK’s Wembley depot and a Mobile Training Facility (MTF) designed to serve locations across England, Scotland, and Wales.
“Doncaster has a long and rich association with the rail industry, so it is entirely fitting that we chose our headquarters in the city to host one of our new training centres of excellence.
“At DB Cargo UK we have more than 600 drivers, more than 400 groundstaff and over 600 engineers, so it’s fair to say that this centre, and the others we have developed with funding from Network Rail, will play a pivotal role in training a new generation of rail staff.”
ETCS is a digital in-cab signalling system that will be key to modernising the UK’s rail network.
The training centre is funded through the long-term deployment programme to ensure the freight sector is prepared for ETCS implementation. The project is a collaboration with the ECDP, which is spearheading the transition to digital signalling in the UK.
The ECDP aims to introduce ETCS on the East Coast Mainline, marking the first intercity application of the system in the UK. The programme is rolling out in phases, starting with the Northern City Line between Finsbury Park and Moorgate, and progressing to the southern section of the East Coast Mainline between London King’s Cross and the Stoke Tunnels near Grantham.
The first trains equipped with digital signalling on the East Coast Mainline are expected to enter service in late 2025.
“Digital in-cab signalling will enable rail freight to operate more efficiently and reliably, contribute to its growth and help reduce carbon emissions.
“The success of ECDP depends on drivers, groundstaff, maintainers and engineers all being equipped for ‘next generation’ railway operations. Facilities like this one in Doncaster are critical to enabling people to flourish and enjoy confidence in new ways of working. I thank our DB Cargo partners for all their efforts in making this happen.”
