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Union Pacific Railroad is scoring success in recruiting young workers accustomed to video games by using virtual-realty technology in training programs.

During the past few years, UP has developed computer software designed to teach new employees how to maneuver locomotives in rail yards, operate switches and sort rail cars. The Class I now uses the virtual-reality programs at 45 training locations.

"Video gamers, like those who play Xbox 360™ or PlayStation® 3, feel right at home using Union Pacific's latest training technology," said Scott Hinckley, UP’s general director of safety and security in a prepared statement. "This is a natural training medium for employees who grew up in the video gaming environment.”

UP’s information technologies department worked with P.I. Engineering to develop the virtual-reality training software. The first rail operations simulation program re-created UP’s Cheyenne Yard. UP and P.I. Engineering since have developed two additional simulator programs that incorporate a hump yard and remote-control locomotive training.