Train driver training backstage
19. 03. 2018
In our new series we accompany seven motivated colleagues from Italy on their training path to becoming train drivers.
How do you become a train driver? How long does the training take and which modules do you have to complete to finally be able to bring trains safely to their destinations?
In order to give you a glimpse behind the scenes of this interesting training, we accompany seven Italian colleagues who have decided on this very responsible profession. The starting shot was fired at the end of February 2018 with the 1,000 km trip from Tarvisio – the home town of our seven would-be drivers – to Bremen. Once they arrived, their training started at the Railway Training Academy (EIBA), while also receiving training at Rail Cargo Carrier – PCT (RCC-PCT). This is the second train driver training course run by RCC-PCT and the first for trainees from Italy.
The Rail Cargo Group have advertised the planned course, which will take place in Germany, in Tarvisio (Northern Italy). The small town offered itself because many people there speak German on account of its proximity to Austria, and the railway is an attractive employer. ÖBB in particular enjoys a very good reputation. Our offer got around during the summer of 2017 and the application phase began in the autumn. Seven candidates fitted the bill and then attended a two-month intensive German course. At the end, they passed a German examination at language level B1.
“Rail freight transport is a ‘people’s business’ – for us, motivated and well trained employees are the key to success so we can meet the expectations of our customers day after day,” says a happy Sebastian Tatzreiter, CEO of RCC-PCT, about the new, highly motivated colleagues.
Over nine months, the seven future train drivers will receive comprehensive theoretical training at the EIBA in Bremen and thorough practical training at RCC-PCT in Munich. The theory covers the basics of railway operation, the interaction between RUs and the infrastructure, plus the individual functions of actual operation. Safety management and how to behave in the event of a breakdown are also taught. In addition, the trainees acquire knowledge specific to infrastructure, vehicles and freight traffic. Between the individual subject blocks, the programme is rounded off by excursions and practical exercises at the marshalling yard in Bremen and shared rides in the driver’s cab. Initial driving practice takes place in Munich after about six months – an especially exciting moment for the young colleagues. After a further two months of intensive driving practice, they become fully trained drivers. We will accompany them on their way to their final diploma.
My name is Enrico Buzzi. I’m 20 years old and I graduated from a tourism school a few months ago. Cars are my passion, especially sports cars. As a child, I played with a model train set and have always dreamed of this profession. Now I’m grown up and can finally make my dream come true.
I’m Daniele, 19 years old and currently training to become a forwarding agent at Rail Cargo Carrier. At the same time, I’m starting training as a train driver. In my spare time, I hang out with lots of friends and regularly play sport. Everything about the railways fascinates me! I mean… how many people can claim to drive a 2,000 tonne train with a 9,000 HP locomotive throughout Germany and Europe? I can after the training!
I’m 31 years old and have a degree in surveying. One of my hobbies is travelling in order to meet other people and to visit new cities. This was one of the reasons I wanted to enter this profession. What I like about the railways is that I can have a different adventure every day because the work is very varied.
My name is Lorenzo Esposito and I’m 19 years old. I attended a sports college and graduated from a scientific high school a few months ago. Motorbikes, cars and trains have been my great passion since childhood. I decided on this training because it’s a wonderful job and is very important for my personal fulfilment.
I’m Francesco Moschitz and I’m 19 years old. I attended a sports college, worked as a waiter and now want to gain work experience in Germany. One of the things I like about the railways is that I’ll be able to drive trains all over Germany at some point. I’ve been fascinated by trains since I was a child.
I’m Marco and I’m 19 years old. After school, I worked in sports shops, a ski school and for the Municipality of Tarvisio. I think that this training offers good prospects because I find the company and this profession very interesting. My first impressions are: good organisation, friendly classmates and a good teacher.
I’m Michele Morocutti. I’m 32 years old and have a degree in mechanical engineering. I like outdoor winter sports such as ski touring and downhill and cross-country skiing, and in summer I go cycling, hiking and running. I also like building models, technical professions and reading. As a child, I was always playing with a model railway. My first impressions of RCC-PCT are: correctness, friendliness, helpfulness and good organisation.
