Aarsleff Rail builds its own training facility for the next generation of traction current technicians
Aarsleff Rail has taken the first steps towards establishing its own internal training programme for traction current technicians. As part of this initiative, construction of a new training facility in Langå is now underway, where future installation technicians and traction current technicians will have the opportunity to combine practical training with theoretical instruction.
The initiative is an important supplement to the existing training opportunities available within the industry and will help ensure that Aarlseff Rail continues to meet the required competency standards for work on traction current. At the same time, the training facility will strengthen the working environment, professional expertise, and quality by giving the employees the opportunity to practice working methods and procedures in safe and realistic surroundings before they carry out the task on the railway.
A supplement to the existing industry training programmes
The demand for traction current technicians is increasing, and Aarleff Rail is experiencing the same trend. We therefore want to strengthen internal competence development and create a structured pathway into the profession.
The internal training programme is not intended to replace existing programmes. Instead, it will serve as a supplement, ensuring that employees acquire the necessary competencies and receive a thorough introduction to both the technical requirements of the role and the way we work at Aarsleff Rail. The programme will also help reduce the production errors by providing consistent practice-oriented training from the outset. In this way, the training facility will become an important tool for improving both the quality and the working conditions.
Practical learning at the core
The training programme will be structured around 80% practical training and 20% theoretical instruction. The practical training will take place at the training facilities, while theoretical instruction will be delivered in a new classroom above the existing workshop in Langå.
Training will be delivered by experienced employees with strong practical knowledge and supported experienced OCS installers from our production teams, who will contribute with their practical insights through their day-to-day work.
The first stage of the programme will be aimed at employees who wish to become for traction current technicians, and it will consist of seven modules focused on the fundamental competencies required for traction current work.
The programme will provide the employees a shared understanding of the workflows, methods, and expectations, helping to create a more consistent way of working across Denmark, Sweden, and Norway. This will strengthen the collaboration across the Nordic countries and support the shared OCCB-approach.
Training facilities designed for practice
Both a large and a small training track are being established.
The small training track will be a manageable practice track with six masts of working height, where all the exercise can be carried out from the ground level. Here, participants will have the opportunity to practice fundamental tasks such as suspension work, cable pulling, and installation. The large training tack will be a realistic, full-scale training facility where participants can practice working in the correct height and under conditions that reflect those encountered on the railway.
The training facility will also serve as an introduction to the day-to-day work as a traction current technician. Participants will not only learn the technical skills required for the role but also how we work safely, collaborate as a team, and uphold the culture and expectations that characterize Aarsleff Rail.
The facilities will also be used for training and exercise for other relevant professional groups.
The first group is expected this autumn
Work on both the large and small training track is already underway. The goal is to complete the facilities in September, allowing the first training course to begin in October. With the establishment of the new training facilities, Aarsleff Rail is investing in the skills and competencies of the future. The goal is to develop skilled installation technicians and overhead line technicians who are well equipped to meet the future needs of the railway, with a continued focus on health and safety, professional expertise and quality.
