UK Rail Minister Claire Perry has opened on 20 October 2015 a new National Training Academy for Rail (NTAR) in Northampton. The government has provided 50% of the £7 million (EUR9.5 million) funding for NTAR, with the rest coming from rolling stock manufacturer Siemens.
The National Training Academy for Rail will be a new national hub for rail engineering excellence and will train the next generation of highly skilled rail technicians, engineers and managers, who will help provide the passenger transport of the future. The training will be provided using the latest digital, 3D and virtual reality equipment.
Facilities at NTAR include the latest digital signalling equipment, a de-constructed train and a virtual reality and 3D simulation room, where students can use Oculus Rift headsets to understand how different components work.
Rail Minister Claire Perry said: “We are working closely with the transport industry to bring a sustained and lasting legacy of skills and opportunity for people across the UK. The opening of the National Training Academy for Rail is a major milestone towards delivering a network of transport infrastructure skills colleges and training academies. … This new facility – and more like it – are just what the country needs to ensure we develop a workforce with the advanced skills required to build a transport network fit for the future.”
General Manager at NTAR Simon Rennie said: “Our ambition is to be recognised as an international Centre of Excellence for training in traction and rolling stock and to be the source of pride for the rail industry. We want to act as a flagship for skills development and for collaborative working, delivering a successful and sustainable model.”
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