Ouigo España, SNCF’s Spanish subsidiary, will be welcoming its first customers between Madrid and Barcelona in a few months’ time. The preparation for the launch of the offer is actively under way.

IFF, at the request of OUIGO, has been contributing since the end of 2020 to the training of its “high speed” drivers. Two groups of trainees have already been welcomed, and a third group is registered from 22 February next.

Registered under the reference, IFF TR 01, this training is divided into 3 modules of a total duration of 9 days. Its objectives are to :

• Understand the environment of high-speed train driving
• Commissioning and driving TGV trains
• Use and apply the troubleshooting guide’s recommendations.
• Manage incidents related to equipment and apply operating procedures
• Explain the principles of operating a line in ERTMS/ETCS N1 and understand the principles of operation of this system, in normal and disturbed situations
• Explain the principle applied to the embedded system and analyse the risks involved.
• Explain the principle applied during the various communications required for operation under ERTMS/ETCS N1 and analyse the risks involved.
• Practising emergency procedures

With a satisfaction rate of 97%, the institute has received very positive feedback from trainers and trainees.

Juan Carlos Rebollo and Jose Aroca, trainers from OUIGO, respectively share their impressions of the session:

“Once again, the importance of training with IFF simulators was demonstrated. Trainees can practice unusual situations, while consolidating with what they already know. It also allows us, the trainers, to detect possible doubts and resolve them on the spot. It is necessary to be able to continue this training to help trainees improve their knowledge of the Branch and the ETCS1 system. »

“The working conditions allowed us to achieve the training objectives. Namely, to drive a train in conditions very close to reality for staff who have never driven in dynamic mode; to train in the practice of emergency gestures; to train in breakdowns and soundings; to drive in different ETCS modes and level transitions. The group acted very seriously and was able to correct the mistakes made, which were always commented on after each exercise. The material and logistical conditions allowed total immersion in the work expected. We would like to thank all the IFF staff for enabling us to facilitate the conditions to meet these challenges. »

Some verbatims from the trainees :

Teresa Gil : A very interesting and productive training that allowed me to learn much more than I expected.

Alfonso Barrera : It was very useful to be able to practise on the simulator and to broaden and improve the knowledge seen in theory.

Juan Carlos: Thanks to the support, patience and dedication of the trainers, I was able to enjoy a remarkable training session in which I was able to make the most of my performance in a very good atmosphere. Thank you for the knowledge transmitted.

Daniel: The training was very productive in consolidating the knowledge acquired by putting it into practice on the simulator, at the same time I acquired a very specific working method.

Alejandro: The ideal place to convert information that you have studied into an acquired skill.