Features
Is the Rail Industry still a Boys ’ Club ?
Zoe Kelland - Train Driver , Great Western Railway
The rail industry has long been perceived as a male-dominated field – but is that still the case today ? We spoke to Zoe Kelland about her early career as a train driver for Great Western Railway . We discussed her apprenticeship journey , gender equality in the workplace , and how we can encourage more women to pursue a career in train driving .
Last year , Zoe was the first in her training group to pass the Level 3 Train Driver Apprenticeship and qualify as a train driver . She ’ s enjoyed her experience and , as the only female driver in her group , she ’ s eager to encourage more women to enter the sector . We caught up with her to get a glimpse into her life as a train driver and hear her story .
How did you become a train driver ?
I used to work on cruise ships , but then I developed gallstones and had to leave . I thought , “ What am I going to do now ?” My brother said , “ Come and work on the railway , it ’ s the best thing you ’ ll ever do .” So I applied , and I started as a conductor . I packed up and moved from Wales to Reading . I wouldn ’ t go back to cruise ships because I love my job now . After six months , I passed my probation , and when they advertised for driver roles , I thought , “ I want to be at the front too !”
Does being a train driver still satisfy your travel bug ?
Yes ! We work a four-day week , so I have plenty of time off to travel . I often go back to Wales to see my family and explore new places . It ’ s not exactly tropical , but it ’ s still travel , and I love it .
Zoe passed her assessments and interviews and was placed in the GWR train driver talent pool . She joined the Level 3 Train Driver Apprenticeship , delivered in partnership with Exeter College . In September , she sat the End- Point Assessment for her apprenticeship .
You were the first in your group to qualify – how did that feel ?
I was proactive . I hunted down driving instructors and sorted things out . Being the only girl in my group didn ’ t stop me – I wanted to do it better . It felt amazing being the first to pass . It was such a huge achievement , and I was so happy .
It takes about two weeks to qualify as a train driver , and apprentices must drive every route , day and night . After qualifying , drivers are booked for their End-Point Assessment , which involves an observation , online tests , and a professional discussion .
Once they ’ ve completed their apprenticeship , drivers are invited to GWR ’ s Apprenticeship celebration event , held at the Swindon Steam Museum , to receive their certificates .
What ’ s your favourite part of the job ?
It ’ s nice when you ’ re recognised . As a driver , you don ’ t see many people , so when passengers thank you , it feels good . Recently , there was a fatality and flooding on the same day , and mine was the only train running to Newbury . I kept the passengers updated , and later someone wrote a long post on LinkedIn calling me “ The Jolly Train Driver .” I was just doing my job , but it was nice to be acknowledged !
Do you face challenges in such a maledominated industry ?
Most of the guys are friendly and helpful , and things have definitely improved over the years . Oddly enough , it ’ s passengers who say the most . I often get congratulated for driving a train , and I think , “ If I were a man , you wouldn ’ t be congratulating me !” Even women are surprised when I tell them I ’ m the driver . But I try to encourage women to apply . If men can do it , why can ’ t we ?
How are things changing for women in rail ?
Things are getting better . We have flexible working , equal pay , and it ’ s becoming more normal for women to be in these roles . At Reading , around 10 % of the drivers are women , but that ’ s still progress . It ’ s not about creating allfemale groups – it ’ s about equality and making these roles the norm for women .
What are your interests outside of rail ?
I used to dance a lot in Wales , but after moving to Reading and with COVID hitting , I struggled to find classes . Last year , some of the drivers and I started cycling . We ride gravel bikes , which is offroad but not quite mountain biking . I also do a lot of walking .
What are your future career plans ?
Right now , I love being a train driver , but if I had a family , the shifts might be tough . Maybe having an evening away from the kids wouldn ’ t be so bad though ! I ’ ve thought about becoming a driver learning manager – it would let me train new drivers while keeping my competency . But for now , I enjoy the shift work , and it ’ s a career you can stick with for years without getting bored .
If you ’ re inspired by Zoe ’ s story and want to learn more about the paths available in rail operations , visit CIRO ’ s website to explore our apprenticeship programs and training opportunities . Together , we can continue to drive gender equality and make rail a more inclusive industry for all .
The Bulletin | Issue 54 | November 2024
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