Transport for Wales (TfW) are undergoing a transformation programme to replace their entire rolling stock fleet. As part of this, rail manufacturer CAF, were selected to supply the new Class 197 including all new training material.  This commission also included driver familiarisation training material covering the features, control interfaces and procedures of the new trains.

Working alongside training experts Rail Training International (RTI), manufacturer CAF and operator TfW, Denova was tasked with developing easily distributed training material on mobile devices, providing new and existing drivers with essential training content.

Design Process

The project commenced by identifying the desired learning outcomes of the end user. The risk-based training needs analysis was provided by RTI and an expert training team in TfW who provided valuable feedback on iterative versions of the simulator apps.

Training Resource Solution

The training content was provided in four key elements.

1. Train familiarisation, providing drivers with a simulated tour of the entire train including internal and external features

2. Train Management System (TMS ) interface familiarisation, focusing on enabling drivers to become familiar with the new controls and procedures of the TMS

3. Train preparation procedure, where the entire process is simulated, enabling trainees to practice regularly in a risk free environment

4. Fault fixing procedure simulation, allowing drivers to build confidence and practice the new or degraded condition procedures of the new train

This resulted in an easily distributed and maintained training resource for PCs, laptops and mobile devices providing the desired learning outcomes and a valuable 3D simulation asset for future training requirements.

“As one of the driver trainers for Transport for Wales, it’s been a pleasure to work with Denova to bring the Class 197 app to our drivers. It’s been welcomed as a familiarisation tool, and our drivers have found it useful to recap on faults and failure procedures. We are looking forward to working with Denova on a possible expansion of the app in the near future.”  Nathan Scrivens, Driver & Operations Trainer, Transport for Wales.