Our first ever all-female driver training cohort

Last updated: Friday, 4 March 2022

International Women's Day logo

Last year, we boasted the launch of our first ever all-female Driver training course.

Based across Scotland, these all-female trainees are expected to complete their training later this year, when they will carry customers out of Wick, Fort William and Mallaig, to name a few locations they will operate from.

It has been great to catch up with two of our trainees from this course who have been making outstanding progress in their training about their new roles and advice for others:

Anne Cameron, Trainee Driver at Mallaig

Anne Cameron, Trainee Train Driver at Mallaig, standing on platform infront of ScotRail train

What enticed you to apply for a career/job in the railway?

Being from a small area, I knew people already in the railway and saw them progressing. I never went to university and my career in retail had hit a glass ceiling. I knew if I was lucky enough to join ScotRail I’d have the chance and opportunities to go as far as I wanted.

What excites you most about your role?

I think it’s mostly about how different every day is! You never know what challenge lies ahead of you at the start of any shift in the railway. It can be weather related, speed restrictions or landslides. We recently went all the way to collect a gentleman at Corrour when there was a line blockage further up our line and he was stranded. Something different happens every day!

What advice would you give to another woman looking to embark or progress a career in the railway?

I’d say, go for it. It’s a fantastic place to work and our colleagues are brilliant. As a woman, equal opportunities are prevalent throughout and we have many women in rail from stations to drivers. Our Driver Team Manager is also a female - there are plenty of us. Even if you don’t get the role you want first time, try again. It took me a few tries to get where I am now and it was worth it.

What’s been your proudest achievement during your time with ScotRail?

Without a doubt, it’s when I passed my driver entry assessments and interviews. They were tough and I studied a lot and practiced endlessly to get it right on the day. I’m very proud of how far I’ve come within the railway.

What else would you like to achieve during your ScotRail career?

At this moment, I will be more than happy to get safely passed out as a West Highland Line Driver. I’m hoping for a happy, safe future as a Driver and think I’ll be quite content in that position. Perhaps I might try my hand as a Driver Trainer for other trainees in time.

Fiona Hynd-Morrison, Trainee Driver at Fort William

Fiona Hynd-Morrison, Trainee Driver at Fort William standing on station platform infront of ScotRail train

What enticed you to apply for a career/job in the railway?

I am the third generation in my family, and the first woman, to join the railway. I had been lucky enough to grow up and see my Dad, who adores his job, have a great work/life balance. My previous roles had never never provided anything close to that. I wanted a career with prospects that could provide a good life for me and my future children.

What excites you the most about your role?

Seeing Corrour from the driver's front cab in the snow. I've only had a small taster so far but it was one of the most magical experiences of my life. I have seen it many times as a passenger but it just doesn't compare.

What advice would you give to another woman looking to embark or progress a career in the railway?

No matter where you start in the railway there is always room to progress further if you choose to. If you see a role you want, you will never regret trying. If you get it, then great. If you don't, it's an amazing experience to learn from to get it next time.

What has been your proudest achievement during your time with ScotRail?

Shunting up to six months in both my pregnancies. It is a physical task in all weathers and eventually my protruding belly made it too difficult. My line manager and colleagues were amazing. I always felt completely safe and supported which is why I could continue so long.

What else would you like to achieve during your career with ScotRail?

I am still very early in my role as driver that I haven't considered it yet. Maybe a driving instructor role next. Something I can share the wealth of knowledge that has been passed to me.

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