TransPennine Express (TPE) and Northern are collaborating as rail operators to support women returning from career breaks or those seeking new opportunities.

In collaboration with Women in Rail, the ‘Never Mind the Gap’ initiative offers training and work placements for women seeking to re-enter the workforce after a career break.

Maternity often leads to more career breaks for women compared to men, contributing significantly to the ongoing gender pay gap, which is slowly narrowing in parts of the country.

Over a two-week period, TransPennine Express (TPE) and Northern, along with Network Rail and London North Eastern Railway (LNER), will offer free training to demonstrate to women the rewarding career opportunities available in the rail industry.

The highlights will feature a tour of Northern’s TrainCare centre at Neville Hill, an opportunity to use a virtual reality simulator to experience life as a train driver, and workshops focused on interview skills and CV writing.

“There are so many fantastic career opportunities in rail, and we are delighted to be able to showcase some of the roles available. ‘Never Mind the Gap’ offers a perfect opportunity for women who are returning from a career break, or who want to try something new.  

Currently, 24 per cent of TPE’s workforce is women but we want to continue to empower and inspire more to join us.  

It’s really important that women get into these roles so there is more representation which reflects the communities we serve.”

Nicola Buckley, People Director at TPE

“As someone relatively new to the rail industry myself, I can vouch for what a great sector this is to be a part of. Changing people’s perceptions of what a career in rail in 2024 actually looks like is something I am passionate about and ‘Never Mind the Gap’ is a great initiative to help achieve that.”  

Lisa Leighton, People Director at Northern

TransPennine already has a good track record when it comes to recruiting women. Across the country, the number of women recruited to positions with in the rail industry has increased since the turn of the millennium.

The application period for Never Mind the Gap remains open until Friday, 16 August. To apply visit their website: Never Mind The Gap – Work Experience Placement (engageats.co.uk)