Sellafield signal box on the Cumbrian Coast line has become the first to be entirely staffed by women since the Second World War.
The milestone was reached last month when trainee Amy Byrne joined Rebecca Rennoldson and Holly Williams to create the three-woman team.
They work in solo shifts in the Victorian-engineered signal box to keep passengers and freight moving on the picturesque Cumbrian rail route.
Today on International Women in Engineering Day (Wednesday 23 June), the three signallers want to encourage other women to consider jobs in the rail industry.
Amy has just qualified as a signaller after being a helicopter engineer in the Royal Navy.
Amy said: “It’s amazing that just starting work at Sellafield means I’ve made history! Becoming a signaller has been really hard work and involved three months of intensive training in Preston. But now I’m doing it for real I really enjoy that each day is different, and I couldn’t recommend it more as a career.”
Rebecca started at Network Rail in 2015.
Rebecca said: “I decided I wanted a career change so I saw that Network Rail was advertising for signallers and I saw that it was a role where you have to use your logic and problem solve with trains and regulations and I thought that sounded really interesting.”
Holly has been working on the railway for just over three years.
Holly said: “I think the best thing about signalling is that you get to sort of be your own boss. You know, you’re in charge of your day, and there’s always nice people on the other end of the phone, even though you’re working on your own, you’re surrounded by a really good team of people. Compared to being at home it’s nice and quiet.”
Network Rail is committed to being an inclusive employer and offering equal opportunities for everyone.
Wendy Potter, Network Rail operations manager for Lancashire and Cumbria, said: “The fact that all three signalling positions at Sellafield are now held by women did not happen by design – it was down to the fact that they were the best people who applied for the job. I’ve worked in the rail industry for over 25 years and I’m really encouraged this shows that more women are applying for roles in rail. My message is simple, forget the old-fashioned stereotypes because whoever you are, you could have just the skills to work on the railway.”
Meanwhile, a Network Rail engineer who upgraded the signalling at London King’s Cross station as part of the £1.2billion East Coast Upgrade is using this year’s International Women in Engineering Day to encourage more women to consider a railway career.
Joanne Thomas began her railway engineering career nearly 30 years ago and has worked for Network Rail for four years. Joanne has worked on a number of projects and recently worked on a major programme to transform the signalling system at one of the UK’s most historic stations – London King’s Cross.
Joanne’s role on the project was to integrate the design and construction of the layout of the new equipment, including where the new signals should be installed. This was a pivotal role on the project and ensured the work went smoothly.
Speaking about her experience in engineering and the rail industry, Joanne said: “Working as a signalling engineer is challenging but so rewarding and I’m proud to work in the rail industry.
“The work we have recently completed will make journeys much more reliable and, as a commuter myself, it’s great to know that I’m part of a team improving journeys for passengers.
“A career in the rail industry means you really make a difference to people’s lives, so I’d encourage more women to consider a career in the sector.
“When I started my career, there were very few women on the railway but that is changing now and it’s great to see more women getting involved and I’d encourage any women and girls who enjoy the science, maths and other STEM subjects to consider joining the railway.”
For more information on International Women in Engineering Day visit: https://www.inwed.org.uk/
To see what jobs are available at Network Rail right now visit: https://www.networkrail.co.uk/careers/
Photo and video credit: Network Rail
