RSSB has launched a new training course designed to help rail professionals better understand the increasingly important digital systems embedded within modern rolling stock.
The new Introduction to Rolling Stock Digital Systems course reflects the growing digitalisation of rail vehicles, as onboard software, telecommunications networks and cyber security become central to train design, operation and maintenance.
Delivered face-to-face over two days, the course is aimed at engineers, rolling stock professionals, procurement teams and IT specialists entering the rail sector who may be working with digital technologies without a specialist systems background.
The training covers core areas including:
- Rail vehicle digital architectures
- Onboard software in a rail environment
- Telecommunications networks
- Cyber security for operational technology
RSSB said the course has been developed to help bridge a growing industry skills gap as rolling stock systems become more connected and software-dependent.
Participants will also learn how to assess digital systems against industry standards, including RIS-2700-RST, while improving their understanding of cyber risks and where specialist expertise may be required during projects or upgrades.
Darren Fitzgerald, RSSB’s Head of Electrotechnical and Digital Systems, said:
“Digital systems are now central to how trains are designed, operated and maintained. This course helps demystify those systems and gives rail professionals the understanding they need to make informed decisions about engineering change and risk.”
The launch comes at a time when digital integration across rail is accelerating rapidly. Programmes such as the East Coast Digital Programme, wider ETCS deployment, predictive maintenance systems and AI-enabled monitoring are all increasing demand for digital capability across the sector.
For rail businesses and SMEs, the course highlights a broader shift taking place across the industry: digital knowledge is no longer confined to specialist software or signalling teams.
As rolling stock becomes increasingly software-driven, organisations involved in maintenance, upgrades, fleet management and procurement are being expected to understand how operational technology, connectivity and cyber resilience interact with traditional engineering disciplines.
The training also reflects growing awareness around cyber security risks in rail. As fleets become more connected through remote diagnostics, digital signalling interfaces and onboard communications systems, understanding cyber resilience is becoming increasingly important for compliance, safety and operational reliability.
For suppliers, maintainers and consultancies, strengthening digital competence could also become commercially important as operators and infrastructure managers place greater emphasis on integrated systems capability within procurement and project delivery.
The course further underlines RSSB’s wider focus on supporting rail reform and future capability development through standards, data and technical guidance, particularly as Great British Railways begins taking shape and the industry moves towards more integrated, technology-enabled operations.
RSSB said the course combines practical learning with industry expertise to support safer and more effective decision-making around rolling stock innovation and engineering change.
