ETCS is only half the challenge. The real question is whether the railway can prepare its people fast enough to use it safely, confidently and consistently.

In this episode we unpack why simulation, competence development and cross-industry collaboration are becoming the backbone of the digital railway.

Part two of this Track Side Conversations discussion goes beyond the tech and into the human side of implementation. Jim explains why a blame-free, root-cause mindset matters when something goes wrong, how simulators create a safe space to rehearse rare but critical events and why practical handling still has a place even as training tools become more advanced.

From start mission to degraded working, the conversation shows how training has to build both knowledge and confidence.

You'll discover:

• Why simulation is now central to ETCS rollout
• How training scenarios are built around real operational risk
• Why fidelity matters, but can never fully replace the real cab
• How competency managers use simulators to refresh and assess performance
• What collaboration across operators, suppliers, and trainers is teaching the industry
• Where AI, VR and augmented reality could take railway training next
• 
  

Jim also shares a practical view of where ETCS and simulation may be heading over the next decade, including more tailored learning, connected classrooms and new ways to assess competence without relying entirely on physical equipment.

The result is a clear-eyed look at the future: more digital, more connected and still fundamentally about people.

Essential listening if you work in rail, train drivers or trainers, or want to understand how the industry is turning digital signalling into real-world safety and performance.

If you care about what makes the future railway work, this episode delivers the lessons, the challenges and the big-picture view.

ETCS is not replacing drivers - it is changing what great railway performance looks like.

Jim O'Donnell explains why the future of the digital railway depends less on technology alone and more on the people, training and confidence behind it.

With more than 17 years in industry Jim brings a rare ground-level view of operations, testing, commissioning, driver training, simulation, assurance and ETCS compliance at GTR.

He breaks down how signals move into the cab, why ATO and ETCS are often misunderstood and what really happens when experienced drivers face a digital system for the first time.

You'll discover why testing and commissioning shaped Jim's career, how nearly 1,300 drivers were trained through one of the industry's biggest transitions and why simulator fidelity matters when you are preparing people for real-world degraded modes.

Jim also explains the biggest misconceptions around ETCS, including the idea that it "takes over" the train and reveals why culture and trust are the true barriers to change.

We also get into the practical side of rollout: what managers need to know, how drivers retain information months or years after training and why collaboration between operators, Network Rail, unions and training teams is essential if digital railway change is going to work safely and consistently.

If you want to understand ETCS beyond the headlines and hear how railways actually prepare people for major operational change, this conversation is essential listening.

After 25 years in the railway industry, some lessons stay with you.

In this episode of Trackside Conversations, Alan Devlin reflects on five of the biggest lessons that have shaped his career — from starting out as an apprentice to working across operations, reliability, leadership, business change and programme delivery.

We explore why people matter more than perfect plans, why data only has value when it drives action, and why leadership has far more to do with behaviour than job titles.

We also look at stepping outside your comfort zone, taking opportunities when they appear, and why — despite digital signalling, AI, automation and an increasingly technology-driven railway — people will remain at the heart of the industry.

Whether you're an apprentice beginning your career, an experienced railway professional or simply interested in the people behind the industry, there should be something in this conversation that resonates.

🎙️ Trackside Conversations — real people, real experiences and conversations from across the railway industry.

Trains move people, but people move the railway.

Follow Trackside Conversations on Spotify and join the conversation on LinkedIn and Instagram.

In Part Two of our conversation with Rob Mawby, we pick up where we left off and turn our attention to the present day — and what comes next for the railway.

Drawing on a career that has taken him from frontline operations to leadership, training and competence development, Rob shares his perspective on what really drives a safer, more effective railway: people, competence and strong leadership.

We explore how railway training has evolved, the importance of continuous competence development and how technology — from modern simulators and digital tools to ETCS — is changing the way we prepare people for the railway of the future.

Rob also shares his thoughts on leadership, learning from experience and why creating the right culture is just as important as introducing the latest technology.

At the heart of the conversation is a simple message: technology can transform the railway, but its success ultimately depends on the people using it.

Whether you're working on the frontline, developing the next generation of railway professionals, leading teams or simply passionate about the future of the industry, this conversation offers plenty to think about.

🎙️ Trackside Conversations — real people, real experiences and conversations from across the railway industry.

Follow Trackside Conversations on Spotify and join the conversation on LinkedIn and Instagram.

Until next time, stay safe, and I'll see you trackside.

Episode 2, Part 1: People Make It Happen

Most companies overlook one of their greatest competitive advantages — their people.

In Part One of our conversation with Rob Mawby, we explore what it really takes to build a safe, capable and high-performing railway workforce.

Drawing on a career spanning driving, training, operations and leadership, Rob shares his perspective on how railway training has evolved and why competence, confidence and commitment — the “Three Cs” — are fundamental to developing people who are ready for the challenges of modern rail.

We discuss practical and experiential learning, simulation, VR and digital technology, alongside the importance of preparing people for degraded operations and the situations that cannot always be replicated in a classroom.But technology is only part of the story.

Rob also explores the role of leadership, mentoring, trust, communication and genuine engagement in creating a strong safety culture — and why investing in people ultimately delivers better operational performance.

From developing competence to building confidence, this is a conversation about creating an environment where people can learn, develop and perform at their best.

🎙️ Trackside Conversations with Alan Devlin

Real People. Real Roles. Real Rail.

Because ultimately, people make it happen.

Episode 1: From Apprentice to Programme Leader – My Railway Journey

In the first episode of Trackside Conversations, host Alan Devlin shares his 25-year journey through the railway industry.

From starting as an On-Track Machine Maintainer Apprentice to progressing into leadership, business change and programme delivery roles, Alan reflects on the experiences, challenges and lessons that have shaped his career.

Discover the importance of apprenticeships, leadership, teamwork, innovation and the opportunities available across the railway industry. Alan also explains why he launched Trackside Conversations and his ambition to showcase the people, projects and careers that keep the railway moving.

Whether you're a rail professional, aspiring apprentice or simply curious about the industry, this episode offers an honest introduction to the journey behind the podcast.

Trackside Conversations is a personal project created independently by Alan Devlin. The views expressed are his own and do not represent those of any current or former employer.