A leading international rail operator – Metro Trains Sydney – introduced the first driverless train into Australia’s transport system. Prior to operation, a learning design and robust training plan were required to ensure the development of critical skills and knowledge across all roles for safe network operation (both electronically and manually), as well as customer service.

The instructional design and learning need required the development of a number of accredited courses, including a Certificate IV in Leadership and Management and a Certificate IV in Rail Network Control.

We developed a learning design to ‘train the trainers’. Given that this was an entirely new system, the learning solution included immersive experiences in already-operational international driverless train environments.

In addition, we designed a flexible training architecture for customer service roles and network operators, which allowed the sequence and structure to be readily modified as the project progressed, whilst ensuring compliance with all operational and safety requirements. We iterated the training architecture as equipment, facilities, and subject matter experts became available to build real-to-life understanding and refinement of skills, transforming participants in training into a proficient workforce prior to opening to the public.

The training materials and rigorous assessments we designed and developed were used to build a safety case that required approval prior to system ‘go live’ operation.

We contextualised the AQF Certificate IV qualifications to ensure that participants were able to competently and confidently perform the operational requirements of their role.

The regulator approved the first submission of the safety case (a first!) – and the learning experience and training materials supported the development of an operationally proficient and skilled railway team that values safety and customer satisfaction.