CAF Rail’s Christine Fernandes appointed new chair of Women in Rail for Wales

CAF Rail Business Development UK & NI Christine Fernandes has been appointed the new chair of Women in Rail (WR) Wales Regional Group.

Christine, who has taken over the role from Network Rail’s Amanda Newton, has more than 20 years’ experience in the rail industry, starting her career as an engineering management trainee with British Railways Board.

She joined CAF in 2017 and has been part of the team in the recent contract awarded to Wales and Borders.

Christine has been a member of the WR group for both London and Wales since their inception.

The group comprises a committed collection of women from across the railway industry in Wales offering a support platform for WR members working in the Wales and Western region, encouraging female talent to the sector and furthering the charity’s agenda of improving gender balance, diversity and inclusion.

WR members are provided with an opportunity to expand their professional development and personal network through workshops and access to a unique cross-industry mentoring programme.

Christine said: “Through my career I have faced some challenging aspects as a woman and, whilst there is acknowledgement and improvement, there is a lot more to be done.

“I and my committee members are excited about the opportunities we can provide to support and empower women in the rail industry.

“We will look to provide a forum that not only develops and expands their local network, but also provides an outlet that underpins and supports professional development, confidence, and new opportunity.

“In the longer term, and to reinforce the rail industry as an attractive career route, I intend on being more visible in the Welsh community, supporting and driving local initiatives.”

CAF, a leading global manufacturer of specialist railway products, components and systems, invested £30m in the construction of their state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Newport, South Wales. Creating 300 new jobs, including opportunities for skilled technicians and engineers, management and support staff, as well as apprentices, the facility has become part of the immediate community in Newport.

CAF is also committed to investing in its workforce and seeking the highest calibre recruits, having recently signed the Women in Rail and Railway Industry Association Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Charter championing EDI in the UK railway industry.

CAF UK Director Richard Garner commented: “Christine is a role model for women working in the rail industry and her experience and professionalism make her the perfect choice for the chair of the WR Wales Regional Group.

“CAF are delighted to support Christine during her tenure.”

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