News

Two More Signals Training Consortium Courses Piloted

Posted August 2014

In July, Signals Consortium members piloted two more courses:
*  Course 102: Introduction and Overview of Switches and Derails was
    piloted at MBTA in Boston
*  Course 103: Introduction and Overview of Train Stops was piloted at
    GCRTA in Cleveland

Course 102 was taught by Signal Trainer Lynelle Butterfield.  Lynelle especially found the instructor guide beneficial saying that “It easily kept you on point.  Even when taught on the fly, the course flows well enough to help me keep my validity as an instructor - even on topics that were new to me like hydro-electric switches.”  Course 103 was co-taught by Signal Trainer Bill Abbott and frontline signal maintainer and ATU 268 member Pedro Colon.  Pedro and Lynelle are also consortium Subject Matter Experts who have been integral in the development of these materials.

The courses were generally well received.  Pre- and post- tests show a knowledge gain of 33 and 34 percent, respectively.  This is especially encouraging since participants in both classes were mostly seasoned technicians with at least a year or two of signals maintenance experience.  In the case of MBTA’s pilot, all participants received a 100 percent on the post-test.  Minor edits were suggested and will be incorporated into the next version of these materials. 

For more information on the Signals Training Consortium, contact Project Director Mark Dysart.