The dream job for millions of young boys – to drive a train – can now become a reality for young girls too.
Train operator First ScotRail is encouraging women to apply to be train drivers because they are currently under-represented at this level.
The diversity strategy, in partnership with trade unions, is also aimed at ethnic minority groups.
Traditionally, the role of train driver has attracted white males, as reflected in statistics. First ScotRail currently has 900 drivers, and 879 are male and 21 are female.
It wants to encourage more women and people from ethnic groups who are over the age of 21 to apply.
Fiona Irvine, HR director for First ScotRail, said: “The posts are open to both men and women, but we want to make the workforce as diverse as possible.
“That’s why we will proactively encourage women and people from ethnic minority groups to apply. We want them to seriously consider a career as a train driver – and to reflect our brand values and style.”
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Train drivers’ union Aslef is supporting the initiative. Kevin Lindsay, district organiser for Scotland, said: “Aslef is fully supportive of First ScotRail’s diversity strategy in recruiting people from all of Scotland’s communities.”
First ScotRail runs 2,000 services daily, and operates 341 stations.
