EMR and Great Central Railway partner to deliver realistic, hands-on driver training

Driver Apprentices from East Midlands Railway (EMR) are now benefiting from more in-depth and hands-on training thanks to a strengthening partnership with the Great Central Railway (GCR).

The GCR heritage line, which runs between Loughborough and Leicester North, was initially used by EMR to simulate key scenarios to train guards and on-board staff in a safe, controlled setting.

These included situations such as assisting ill customers, managing security alerts, dealing with lively sports fans, and carrying out stop-short or uncontrolled evacuation procedures.

These sessions allowed the train to pause after each scenario for discussion and learning – all without disrupting services on the main line.

The training experience has now been further enriched since the GCR added two Class 153 units to its fleet, introducing a range of new learning opportunities related to power-operated doors and relevant train systems.

Thanks to the availability of the Class 153s, trainees are now given the opportunity to drive on the heritage railway under the supervision of EMR trainers, providing a experience that cannot be replicated by standard driver simulators.

This includes controlling the train on uphill gradients through power adjustments, and knowing when to let it run or check the speed downhill – offering invaluable real-world insight.

To ensure safety remained paramount, EMR’s training team took the time to study the GCR rule book – which, incidentally, closely resembled the version one EMR trainer first received in the 1970s.

Trainers learned the route, completed an exam, and were officially signed off under the careful supervision of GCR Chief Assessor Chris Williams.

Both organisations also conducted their own safety validations to maintain high standards throughout.

The feedback from trainees has been overwhelmingly positive, with many highlighting the value of the hands-on experience and the opportunity to train in a more immersive environment.

Looking ahead, EMR and the GCR are exploring further enhancements to the driving day training, with the aim of offering even more value to apprentice drivers and preparing them for long and successful railway careers.

Dave Stannard, Learning and Development Delivery Manager at East Midlands Railway, said: "Our partnership with the Great Central Railway has been an outstanding success and a real asset to our training programme.

"The opportunity to provide our driver apprentices with realistic, hands-on experience in a safe, controlled environment is invaluable. From the professionalism of the GCR team to the authenticity of the training scenarios, the collaboration has exceeded our expectations. I’d like to thank everyone at GCR for their continued support and commitment – it’s making a real difference in helping us prepare the next generation of railway professionals.”

Malcolm Holmes, General Manager of the Great Central Railway, said: “We’re proud to be supporting East Midlands Railway in delivering such an immersive and practical training programme for their driver apprentices.

"This project is a fantastic example of how a heritage railway can offer real-world value to the modern rail industry and we’re delighted that our railway is helping to shape the skills and confidence of the next generation of drivers.

"Commercial partnerships like this are vital to sustaining and developing the Great Central Railway, ensuring it remains relevant and resilient for years to come.”

How to become a train driver

EMR advertise its Trainee Driver roles once a year. This is usually between October and January. The best way to stay informed about these roles is to register interest on EMR's website - https://www.eastmidlandsrailway.co.uk/help-manage/about-us/job-vacancies/how-to-become-a-train-driver