The first female train driver instructor at Transport for Wales and one of their project managers are being celebrated this International Women’s Day.

Bev Hannible was recently promoted to Driver and Operations Trainer at Transport for Wales and is helping to bring in the next generation of female drivers.

Bev started as a conductor in 2005 before progressing to driver level.

“Slowly but surely, more and more women are coming into the train driver’s role, which is great to see,” said Bev. “Hopefully, as I’ve become the first female trainer and with more women in senior positions, it puts a powerful message out there that it’s no longer just a male-dominated industry.

“I’d encourage more women to think about a role as a driver, we’ve got all the support you’ll need, excellent development opportunities and a great team to guide you through your career.”

Katherine Williams is currently undergoing training after having a career in the military police and South Wales and Gwent Police forces.

She said: “It’s been a very welcoming environment, the training has been building gradually and is starting to ramp-up now.

“It would be great to see more women on the course. For any women thinking of coming into the rail industry, I would definitely say go for it, I’m glad I made this jump to this career.”

This year, Transport for Wales appointed Marie Daly as interim Managing Director of Transport for Wales Rail Ltd.

The train operator has partnered with an organisation to keep in contact with women leaving the military who may be suitable for a role in the transport sector.

The first person to benefit from the link is Beth Powell, who is now an assistant project manager with TfW, but previously served as a mechanical aircraft engineer on the Tornado GR4 in the RAF.

“I left the RAF in 2017 after the birth of my eldest son because the thought of having to go on an operational tour was no longer for me,” said Beth. “At the time, I thought I wouldn’t have a problem finding a job because of the skills I had learned from my time served within the forces, but boy was I wrong!

“My dream was to find a project manager role within the rail industry, working Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm, and I wanted a role which challenged me but, more importantly, supported me.

“I love my job with TfW, I finally feel valued not only as an employee but most importantly, I’m supported to be my main role, which is a mother.”

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