Delivering Level 3 Training for Network Rail
ServicesUnited Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Delivering Level 3 Training for Network Rail

Operator
Network Rail
Country
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Partner
Alstom
Segment
Main & Regional Line
Application
Training & competency development for axle counter maintenance
Year
2025
Scope of project
Front Line Maintenance Faulting (FLMF) Competency Level 3 Training for Network Rail
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As part of the C3R Cambridge Re-signalling Programme, Frauscher Academy delivered a Competency Level 3 training to equip Network Rail maintainers with advanced skills for the FAdC® system — ensuring compliance, operational resilience, and reliable railway performance.

The C3R Cambridge Re-signalling Programme represents a major investment in modernising signalling infrastructure across Cambridge and its surrounding routes. As part of this upgrade, legacy detection systems were replaced with the Frauscher Advanced Counter FAdC®, requiring maintainers to develop new technical competencies and deeper diagnostic expertise.

To support this transition, Frauscher Academy delivered a structured 5-day Competency Level 3 training programme, aligned with Network Rail’s mandatory certification requirements. The programme combined in-depth theoretical knowledge with practical, hands-on fault-finding exercises using the Frauscher Diagnostic System (FDS). Participants explored system architecture, hardware components, and troubleshooting procedures, including real-world fault simulation under time constraints.

Training was delivered locally at Alstom’s Waterbeach facility to ensure alignment with the C3R project configuration and minimise operational disruption. Content and assessments were tailored to match the installed system, ensuring maintainers gained relevant, immediately applicable skills.

Upon successful completion, all participants achieved Network Rail Competency Level 3 certification via the SENTINEL platform — formally recognising their capability to safely and confidently maintain the FAdC® system within one of the UK’s busiest rail networks.

Need for upskilling through manufacturer expertise

Direct training from Frauscher specialists ensured accurate, system-specific knowledge transfer, reducing the risk of incorrect fault handling and increasing confidence in maintaining modern axle counter technology.

Compliance with Network Rail´s Mandatory Competency Requirements

The programme enabled maintainers to achieve formal Competency Level 3 certification, meeting Network Rail’s mandatory standards for working on FAdC®. This ensures assured safety, verified capability, and workforce readiness.

Localised Training Supporting Operational Continuity

Delivering training at the project location minimised staff disruption and ensured direct alignment with the installed infrastructure, enabling immediate application of newly acquired skills.

Enhanced Troubleshooting and Reduced Downtime

Hands-on diagnostics and structured fault simulations strengthened maintainers’ ability to detect and resolve issues quickly and accurately. Faster interventions contribute directly to reduced downtime and improved service reliability across the Cambridge route.

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