Northern takes delivery of prototype semi immersive static cab simulator as part of transformation of training for Region's traincrew

NORTHERN has taken delivery of a prototype of the semi-immersive static cab simulator that new drivers will soon use to earn their stripes.

The train operator has ordered 24 of the static cab replicas which feature video footage of 610 miles of real track of Northern routes across the North of England.

The static units will complement 6 full-immersion, motion platform simulators and 2 integrated crew training facility units that simulate passenger door control panels that are already on order and are set to be introduced to Northern's training academies later this year.

It is part of a major transformation in the way that Northern trains its traincrew and will speed up the time it takes for crew to achieve their train and route competence.

Lisa Leighton, people director at Northern, said:- "We have over 3,400 drivers and conductors based across our network and it's important each and every 1 of them has the skills and knowledge to perform at their best. This includes ensuring they have access to great training and development facilities, not just during their induction and initial training, but throughout their time with Northern. We're excited to put the prototype to the test over the next few months and see the benefits it will bring to our training programme."

Northern is expected to announce its driver and conductor recruitment plans for 2025 in the coming weeks.

Northern is the 2nd largest train operator in the UK, with nearly 2,500 services a day to more than 500 stations across the North of England.

Liverpool marks Holocaust Memorial Day with a special service

THE 80th Anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz Birkenau and the 30th Anniversary of the genocide in Bosnia have been marked by a reflective ceremony at Liverpool's Town Hall.

The theme of the service was:- 'For a Better Future' and residents are urged to learn about past horrors so that they never happen again.

The Lord Mayor and Rabbi Fagleman from the Allerton Hebrew Congregation lit candles; there were prayers and also a speech delivered by Francine Palant, whose parents were both Holocaust survivors.

The event opened with a performance by King David High School musicians. The Lord Mayor, Cllr Richard Kemp CBE also laid a wreath at St John's Gardens.

At last week's Full Council meeting, Liverpool City Council reaffirmed its commitment to advocating awareness of the Holocaust. The Town Hall, St George's Hall and the Cunard Building were also lit up in purple to mark the day.

Lord Mayor, Councillor Richard Kemp CBE said:- "This year is a significant milestone, given that it is 80 years since Auschwitz was liberated and 30 years since the genocide in Bosnia. Like each Holocaust Memorial Day, it is a time to reflect and to consider what we can do as a City and community to combat prejudice in all its forms. Liverpool prides itself on being a diverse City and the better future we can work towards is where all communities can live together safely and with great respect for each other. Learning from the very worst things that humankind has done to itself is 1 of the most effective ways to prevent anything like this from ever happening again."

Jeremy Wolfson, chair of the Holocaust Memorial Day Planning Group at Liverpool City Council and a member of Liverpool's Jewish community, said:- "Holocaust Memorial Day gives us an opportunity to reflect on the Holocaust and subsequent genocides and raise awareness of not only what happened, but to try and ensure that the attitudes which led to them are not repeated."