Kate Towns is a member of the army reserves and also a train operator for Northern and has been able to create a successful career whilst serving the forces and is telling her story about how this has been possible as part of Armed Forces Day which takes place on Saturday the 24th of June.

Northern is keen to support those who work for the armed forces or are part of the army reserves, and Kate marks just one of a good number of people working for the rail operator whilst developing a military career.

Kate began working with Northern in 2018 as the very first female apprentice at Neville Hill, and has recently moved positions and is part of the rail operator’s Modern Engineering Systems Team.

Kate attributes the rail operator as being crucial in allowing her military career to thrive whilst carrying out her daytime work.

Alongside her career with Northern, Kate has also been a member of the Royal Artillery Reserves for six years as part of the active-duty volunteer reserve force for the army and see two promotions and is currently a guided multiple-launch rocket system operator with the rank of Bombardier.

Northern signed up to the Armed Forces covenant back in 2021, making a commitment to support veterans with employment, recognising military skills and qualifications through the business and also in the wider rail industry.

Kate said:

“Being in the reserves has given me a higher level of self-discipline, which is part of the army ethos. Time management, a safety-first mindset and organisational skills- makes you way more productive and it has helped with both careers.”

“I feel that at Northern I can bring my whole self to work – and I’d encourage anyone with an interest in the Armed Forces to explore how they can get involved alongside their day jobs.”

“Obviously the most-publicised support is the extra leave to go and complete training exercises, but I think the best support I have had is from my manager – we have had proper conversations about the commitments I have an I have been able to work around major business deadlines. That flexible approach is key.”

Tricia Williams, chief operating officer at Northern, said:

“We are so proud to have people like Kate working for us at Northern.”

“We recognise the value that serving personnel, reservists, veterans and military families bring to the rail industry. We hope to demonstrate our appreciation of their contributions and have a positive impact for the North and employment within our communities.”

To learn more about careers with Northern, please click here.