Ahead of International Women’s Day 2023 tomorrow, Wednesday, 8th March, London North Eastern Railway (LNER) has revealed the results of its research that show a resurgence in the popularity of traditional roles for women, with careers as a doctor, lawyer, and train driver being considered trendy again.

According to the research, Gen Z believes that on average they will have worked in 4.5 different jobs before finding their ideal. Only one in 100 of Gen Z thought of driving trains as their dream job, although 20% said they would love a career on the railway.

London North Eastern Railway employs women from a wide range of career backgrounds, from women who danced on cruise ships and are now leading innovative digital projects, to those with careers in aviation but now wish to pursue a career on dry land.

Claire Ansley, Customer Experience and People Team Director at LNER, said “We are proud that 43 per cent of our workforce at LNER are women and they bring with them a wide range of diverse experience.

“Our latest research shows 74 per cent of the younger generation think jobs like doctors, lawyers and train drivers are “cool again”, so we want to encourage as many women as possible to consider rail as an exciting and rewarding career choice bursting with opportunities.”

Among other jobs that young female Brits dream of are as social media influencers, teachers, doctors, and a therapist. Three-quarters thought that old-fashioned jobs such as learning a trade or becoming a train driver, doctor or lawyer are once again cool for young people.

Aside from money, one in three young women want a job that helps others with a good work-life balance and a third want to work for themselves. Doing something different, freedom to work where ever, and good benefits also proved attractive.

One-fifth didn’t think they would ever get their dream job at the same time as having to earn money to pay rent/mortgage, while the main barriers stopping younger Brits from getting jobs were no experience, not confident enough to change jobs, and the role not coming up very often.

One in three want to change jobs this year because they need more money, fancy a change, or are not satisfied with their job, while a quarter wants a new challenge and a fifth say they are bored.

To give the younger generations an insight into what a career in the rail industry can offer, London North Eastern Railway has introduced initiatives such as experience programmes, apprenticeships, and Tomorrow’s Talent taster insight sessions.

Colleagues

Gabriella and Gail Bruno

Gail and Gabriella Bruno – Gail and Gabriella are mother and daughter and are Onboard Customer Experience Hosts based out of Edinburgh. Gail previously worked in the airlines as cabin crew and Gabriella was training as a PE teacher before they joined London North Eastern Railway.

Jess Mawhinney-Coates

Jess Mawhinney-Coates – Jess is an Apprentice Driver who will be based out of Newcastle. Previously Jess worked as an electrician and trained as a PE teacher before joining London North Eastern Railway.

Shifa Motin

Shifa Motin –Shifa is Strategy Impact Manager based in York, looking at how to further enhance our customers’ experience when travelling with London North Eastern Railway. Shifa began her career working in the finance industry.