Learning from the best: Knorr-Bremse’s training academy goes digital.
Knorr-Bremse, the global market leader for braking systems and other rail and commercial vehicle systems, is significantly expanding its RailServices Trainingsakademie Germany. Because who better than the system manufacturer to transfer the necessary know-how about braking systems?
To ensure maximum reliability and safety in rail traffic, it is vital for technical staff to be extremely well qualified – which is why Knorr-Bremse is significantly expanding its external vocational training and professional development offerings,” says Frank Junghans, who as Vice President RailServices Germany is also responsible for the Knorr-Bremse RailServices Trainingsakademie Germany. “With our virtual classroom, we are taking the trend toward digitalization a step further and bringing almost all of our theoretical training right into the workplaces or home offices of the operators’ and vehicle manufacturers’ employees.”
CT² brake system demonstrator plus tailored, hands-on training
Partners who have their staff trained by Knorr-Bremse also receive access to the CT² rail air-brake system demonstrator console at the Berlin Training Center, where Knorr-Bremse also trains its own employees. The CT², which stands for Computerized Train Console for Training, takes theoretical training in braking systems to a whole new level by simulating all brake functions and technologies. The console is used to teach and demonstrate the complex functional relationships of braking systems in a hands-on manner – without requiring an actual vehicle.
In terms of methodology, the Training Academy employs a balanced mix of traditional and digital training formats. The instructors have international experience and are not only trained in teaching, but also certified in accordance with Deutsche Bahn’s brake training guidelines among other requirements.
The training program also includes customized modules. “Recently, for example, we put together a training package for a local transit operator consisting of brake maintenance, troubleshooting, instruction in how the braking function works, and regular in-vehicle professional development,” says Training Academy Director Jens Blaufuß. He adds that a major customer has requested a fleet training package that will run for several years: “Here, 70 employees are learning how to overhaul the braking system on the vehicle for themselves.” Up to 80 percent of all practical training can be carried out directly on the vehicle on the customer's premises.
Regular continuing professional development courses on braking systems also form part of a training portfolio that has seen substantial expansion in recent years. The topic, duration and training media of these courses can be tailored to specific customer requirements. And thanks to a rich selection of standard training courses, the Academy can easily organize training even at short notice
Here you get more information about our trainings.