“As we see more women across the industry, it’s important we highlight them.”

20 March 2024 

I think some women may not even think about a career in rail – that was me 11 years ago! Rail had never crossed my mind until a friend, who was working on the West Coast Main Line, brought an opportunity at Wigan North Western station to my attention, which I then explored.

It’s these conversations that can spark an interest in something new and why I was keen to support Community Rail Lancashire’s 100 More Women, 100 More Journeys book – a collection of rail tales from those who work in the rail industry or hold a fond memory of rail travel.

The book is designed to promote rail to women and is part of Community Rail Lancashire’s efforts to address the gender imbalance in the rail workforce. 100 More Women, 100 More Journeys is a sequel to a book they released in 2021, so when I learned of this latest project, I was keen to support by sharing my story. It seemed a great platform to highlight what career opportunities the rail industry has to offer women, so I told of how I came to work on the railway and the journey to my current role.

I hope 100 More Women, 100 More Journeys will inspire young women to consider rail as a career option and explore the opportunities that could be available to them.

Highlighting women in the industry or women who have a connection to the railway is such a positive thing! It perhaps hasn’t had a huge amount of attention over the years but as we see more women in a variety of roles across the industry – from engineers, to train drivers and executive directors – it is important to highlight them.

By sharing our stories and experiences in rail, we can encourage other women and young girls to give some thought to the industry and the opportunities available. I’ve never shared my story this way before. I’ve spoken at careers events but seeing my story in print alongside those of other women who have a connection to the railway is wonderful!

I’m proud to have joined my colleagues to tell my story, as I think reading a first-hand account of someone’s experience can bring things to life much more. It’s personal, unique, and can resonate with people.

Within the rail industry there are many different routes you can take. I would encourage any women or girls to do their research. I’d also encourage them to speak with women working in the industry to gain their insight.

100 More Women, 100 More Journeys offers a gentle introduction to the railway and is a great starting point for anyone who wants to know what opportunities the railway can offer.

My job involves working on projects at our stations and is mainly focused on property – from new signage to waiting room refurbishments and initiatives that reduce our environmental impact. It can sometimes see me travel up and down the country in a week working with different people and getting involved in many things. I love the variety and that no two days are the same.

The railway plays a vital role in connecting people and places, which means you can interact with a variety of businesses, charities, organisations, and community groups, so it enables you to meet lots of people inside and outside the industry. Although, the railway is viewed as a niche industry, the skills and knowledge I have gained throughout my career are priceless. Some of them are transferable too. It’s this insight we should be sharing to help put rail into the mix of viable career options.

I hope 100 More Women, 100 More Journeys will inspire young women to consider rail as a career option and explore the opportunities that could be available to them. If my friend hadn’t shared their story and encouraged me to look at roles in the industry, I wouldn’t have given rail a second thought. So, I think it’s important to demonstrate what’s available career-wise, as well as highlighting the opportunities rail offers in terms of connectivity by documenting and sharing our experiences in a way that can be shared for generations to come.

ENDS

Main image (left to right): Karen Bennett (Community Rail Lancashire) joins Avanti West Coast colleagues, including Danni Mcloughlin (second left) to launch 100 More Women, 100 More Journeys at Preston station. 

Images (top to bottom): Danni Mcloughlin (Project Manager at Avanti West Coast) supporting the launch of 100 More Women, 100 More Journeys at Preston station; 100 More Women, 100 More Journeys book; Danni Mcloughlin's story in 100 More Women, 100 More Journeys; Danni Mcloughlin at Preston station.