TransPennine Express (TPE) is ‘ahead of the curve’ as almost a quarter of the train operator’s fleet and engineering team are women.
While the rail industry has been historically dominated by men, 22 per cent of the team employed are women – above the UK average of 16.5 per cent.
Ahead of International Women in Engineering Day, on Sunday 23 June, Bushra Khan, head of engineering at TPE, said: “While we are well ahead of the curve, we want to continue to empower and inspire more women to join us in the rail industry.
“It’s really important that women get into these roles so there is more representation which reflects the communities we serve.”
Caitlin Gent now works as an assistant commercial engineer. She had originally wanted to be a weapons engineer in the Royal Navy before deciding to take on an apprenticeship role at TPE after studying A-Levels – changing her career track.
She now wants to encourage other women to do the same.
Caitlin said: “Even though I’m in a traditionally male dominated environment, I have always felt supported. “It is important to raise awareness of the different roles in engineering for women. It could be anything from working in a diesel depot, to being in an office dealing with data.”
Leeanne Matuszczyk, is a fleet maintenance planner based in Manchester, much of her working life had been spent in the RAF as an avionics technician when some former colleagues told her how much they were enjoying new roles in rail – so she took the leap and joined TPE.
Leeanne said: “It’s a very diverse job and there is something for everyone, no matter your personality, no matter your skills, there is something for you in the rail industry.
“There’s always someone around to support you and to help you succeed.”
Image credit: TPE
