Transport for Wales (TfW) has introduced virtual reality (VR) technology to enhance the training of its train managers, enabling staff to practise responding to high-risk and emergency situations that are difficult or impossible to recreate safely on the live railway.
Working with training technology specialist Denova, TfW has adopted the company’s Dispatch Simulator to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world operational experience, helping improve confidence, competence and decision-making in safety-critical situations.
Preparing staff for the unexpected
Train managers are responsible for a range of safety-critical duties, particularly during incidents involving degraded operations or emergencies. However, many of these scenarios occur so infrequently that opportunities to gain practical experience are limited.
According to TfW, traditional classroom training and occasional on-network exercises provide the necessary theoretical knowledge but cannot fully replicate the pressure and complexity of real incidents.
The immersive VR simulator enables trainees to experience scenarios such as onboard fires, suspicious packages and train dispatch procedures within a controlled, risk-free environment, allowing them to develop practical skills without compromising safety.
Supporting competence and confidence
The Dispatch Simulator forms part of TfW’s wider training strategy following the identification of a need for more realistic methods of preparing staff for emergency situations.
The system is designed to expose trainees to challenging scenarios, provide opportunities to learn from mistakes and support a range of learning styles through interactive, immersive training.
TfW says the technology has already delivered improvements in trainee confidence, assessment performance and overall operational readiness, while helping build a more resilient workforce capable of responding effectively during unexpected events.
Paul Pritchard, Safety Operations Standards Competency Manager at Transport for Wales, said: “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.”
Industry-first simulator
Denova describes the Dispatch Simulator as the first VR training platform specifically developed for train managers, with potential applications across the wider rail industry as operators seek new ways to improve competence management and safety performance.
Brendan Morris, Chief Executive Officer of Denova, said: “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.”
As rail operators continue to explore digital technologies to enhance training, the use of immersive simulation is becoming an increasingly important tool for developing competence in safety-critical roles. By allowing staff to repeatedly practise rare but high-consequence scenarios, VR training has the potential to improve operational resilience while reducing the risks and costs associated with live practical exercises.
