In a groundbreaking development, a recent recruitment campaign has seen a significant rise in the number of women applying to become train drivers at Avanti West Coast. A third of new trainee driver recruits at the company are now women, reflecting a remarkable increase from one in five. The operator has set a target to boost the percentage of new female trainee recruits to 50 per cent by 2030, and they are well on their way to achieving this goal.
The campaign, which was launched in 2023, has garnered over 1,000 applications from women – one and a half times the combined amount received in the last three years. This surge in interest comes on the heels of the unveiling of a mural honouring Karen Harrison, one of the UK’s pioneering female train drivers. The mural, crafted by artist Akse, commemorates Karen’s trailblazing journey in 1979 and serves as a source of inspiration for more women to pursue careers as train drivers.
Marta Filipiuk, one of the new female driver recruits at Avanti West Coast, exemplifies the impact of Karen Harrison’s legacy. Marta, who previously worked in a warehouse and drove minicabs for eight years, discovered her passion for the railway industry after a serendipitous encounter with a train driver instructor. Encouraged by the Karen Harrison campaign, Marta seized the opportunity to apply to become a train driver and is now three-quarters of the way through her training. She encourages other women interested in the field to pursue their dreams, citing her role as a train driver as the highlight of her career.
The recruitment drive also saw an unprecedented number of over 9,000 applications from male candidates. Jo MacPhail, the People Director at Avanti West Coast, expressed pride in the success of the campaign in promoting gender equality among trainee driver recruits. The company is committed to fostering a diverse workforce that reflects the communities it serves, with the ultimate aim of achieving gender parity in the driver’s cab by 2030.
Mick Whelan, the General Secretary of ASLEF, the train drivers’ union, lauded Karen Harrison as a trailblazer who paved the way for women in the railway industry. He underscored the importance of having more women represented in the driver’s cab to better serve the community. The support for increasing female representation in the railway sector was echoed by Amanda Webster-Uz, Head of Euston Station Operations at Network Rail, who emphasised the importance of encouraging women to pursue roles in the industry.
As the world celebrates International Women’s Day, the success of the Avanti West Coast campaign serves as a beacon of progress towards gender equality in traditionally male-dominated sectors. The stories of women like Karen Harrison and Marta Filipiuk inspire a new generation of female train drivers to embark on fulfilling and rewarding careers in the railway industry. With concerted efforts and initiatives like these, the future looks bright for women aspiring to break barriers and excel in diverse fields.