Transport for Wales (TfW) training team adopted Denova’s Dispatch Simulator to address a longstanding challenge: how to train staff for infrequent, high-risk, and emergency scenarios. Traditional classroom training and limited on-network exercises provided foundational knowledge, but they couldn’t fully prepare train managers for the complexity and pressure of real-world emergencies.

Denova’s immersive VR simulations filled this critical gap, enabling train managers to practice essential safety tasks in a controlled, risk-free environment. This technology not only accelerates competence development but also boosts confidence and knowledge retention, up to 90% for practical application.

The Challenge

Train managers face safety-critical responsibilities that require flawless execution, particularly in degraded working conditions or emergency situations. However, many of these scenarios are:

• Dangerous or impractical to replicate in training.
• Rarely encountered on the live network, leaving managers under-prepared until faced with them in real time.

The RBTNA assessment highlighted the need for solutions that could realistically simulate such situations, without putting staff or passengers at risk.

The Solution

Recognising this training gap, TfW partnered with Denova to integrate VR into its training strategy. The Dispatch Simulator was designed to:

• Bridge the gap between classroom theory and real-world application.
• Expose train managers to infrequent, high-risk events, such as onboard fires or suspicious packages, that are almost impossible to replicate in live training.
• Provide a safe space to learn from mistakes and develop personal resilience strategies.
• Support diverse learning styles, making training more inclusive and engaging.

The Impact

VR training has transformed TfW’s approach, delivering measurable benefits:

• Higher trainee confidence and competence in dealing with emergencies.
• Improved assessment outcomes both during training and post-qualification.
• A safer, more resilient workforce ready to handle unexpected situations.

Paul Pritchard, Safety Operations Standards Competency Manager at TfW, explained, “Denova’s VR technology has been transformative for our train manager training. It allows trainees to experience realistic scenarios such as onboard fires, dispatch procedures, and degraded situations. This immersive approach bridges the gap between theory and practice in a truly engaging way. The potential for expanding this technology within our organisation and the wider rail sector is immense and the Denova team has been a fantastic, outcome-focused partner.”
Brendan Morris, CEO of Denova, added, “It is great to see our Dispatch Simulator having a positive impact at TfW. As a simulator for train managers, it’s a real industry first, and we’re excited about its potential across the rail industry.”

By embracing VR innovation, Transport for Wales has set a new benchmark for rail industry training. The Dispatch Simulator equips train managers with the confidence and competence to act decisively in emergencies, ensuring passenger safety and operational resilience.