The Victorian Government has opened a new Metro Academy facility to help train future rail workers in preparation for the Metro Tunnel opening in 2025.
Located in Melbourne’s CBD, the state-of-the-art facility simulates a mini metropolitan rail network – with live tracks and platform simulators available to train almost 100 students each day.
The Academy will train more than 200 future drivers, station staff and Authorised Officers ahead of the opening of the Metro Tunnel – with the first round of students beginning their training program.
To prepare rail workers for the job, students will be provided classroom, practical and on-the-job training – with the Academy offering a range of platform simulators including passenger information displays and CCTV safety zones, to help customer service and Authorised Officers safely apply their skills.
The Metro Tunnel is the biggest transformation of Melbourne’s rail network since the City Loop opened in 1981 – transforming Melbourne’s train network and how people move around the city.
The project will create new connections across the city, delivering five new world-class underground stations – connecting major precincts at Parkville, Arden and the Shrine of Remembrance to the city’s rail network for the first time.
Metro train drivers and station staff will need to be trained to operate all the tunnel’s new systems and technology, including Victorian-first platform screen doors that will open and close at stations with the train doors.
The new facility supports Metro’s existing Metro Academy training facilities in Kensington and Newport, which aim to simulate real life experiences so workers can hit the ground running when fully qualified.
Victorian Acting Minister for Public and Active Transport, Melissa Horne, said, “This new facility will help train up our public transport workforce, so we are ready to deliver world-class service when the Metro Tunnel opens next year.”
Metro Trains Acting CEO Pete Ryan, said, “As our network evolves, we are working hard to ensure we have the people we need for day one of operations, so passengers have a seamless experience.”
Metro Trains Head of Training and Academic Programs, Charles Robinson, “To prepare for the opening of the Metro Tunnel, over 200 new rail workers will be put through their paces at our new training facility.”
Image credit: Suzanne-B/shutterstock.com
