Global vision helps equip rail professionals for the challenges ahead

CHINA: The 7th UIC World Congress on Rail Training in Chengdu was jointly organised by the International Union of Railways and Southwest Jiaotong University to bring together people from more than 30 countries to share best practices and discuss the future of talent development.

The three-day event in April featured topics including cross-border training initiatives, the use of virtual reality, AI, serious games and immersive 3D technologies, strategies for inclusion, leadership development, global talent management, and specific programmes for ERTMS, resilience and sustainability.

There were technical visits to Chengdu Dong station, a SWJTU laboratory and China Railway Chengdu Group’s training base, and China Railway explained how more than 30 000 front-line staff per year participate in its ‘multi-dimensional talent training system’ in partnership with universities.

‘From digitalisation to decarbonisation, the skills needed to operate, maintain and innovate are evolving fast’ said UIC Director General François Davenne. ‘WCRT is where we come together to equip professionals for the challenges ahead.’