Light rail professionals build OLE skills through UKTram supported training

Light rail professionals recently completed the UK Light Rail Systems Overhead Line Training Course, designed to strengthen practical skills and knowledge in maintaining tramway overhead line equipment. 

The three-day certified course was delivered at Skillstep Group’s Doncaster facility from September 7^th to the 9th, with participants from Siemens and Sheffield Future Trams (Supertram). 

The programme combined theory with practical training and assessment, introducing participants to vital aspects of light rail OLE and related urban safety requirements. Training covered health and safety, OLE components and terminology, maintenance practices and the tools and documentation used in light rail systems. 

Participants also put their learning into practice using a low-level training span, gaining hands-on experience working with contact wire, inline components and tensioning assemblies under instruction. The September course was the second to be delivered following the successful launch of the programme in March. UKTram worked with Skillstep Group to refine the content using feedback from the first course and ensure the training remained focused on the specific requirements of light rail rather than mainline rail OLE. 

Phill Terry, Lead Engineer at UKTram, said: 

“After the success of our first course, we were pleased to welcome another group of light rail professionals to Doncaster and see them engage directly with the equipment. We know that there are challenges in releasing staff for extended periods, so the course is structured to deliver theoretical and practical learning in three days. Feedback has been very positive, and we hope participants return to their organisations with valuable knowledge and experience.” 

Following the course, participants have highlighted its value as a refresher for those with previous OLE experience, as well as the practical element of the training. One participant said:

“The course provided a good refresher for those with previous OLE experience, even where that experience wasn’t necessarily on light rail systems. The practical session was also really enjoyable and useful.”  

UKTram received strong interest in the training after its launch and will use feedback from the latest course to keep developing opportunities that meet the light rail sector's skills and training needs. 

Interested in OLE training?

There are six available places on the next light rail Overhead Line Equipment (OLE) training course, taking place from 19th -21st October. Interested in attending? Email Phill Terry at phillip.terry@uktram.co.uk to find out more or secure a place.