Avanti West Coast mark International Women’s Day with an all-female team taking control of the operator’s rail operations Control department.
The Control department is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week and will be run by seven women on International Women’s Day.
The team are responsible for the behind-the-scenes operation and the roles include Duty Control Manager, Information Controller and Route Controller.
All of these roles help to keep Avanti West Coast’s services running to keep passengers moving.
Through staffing the central operations with an all-female team Avanti West Coast hopes to showcase the various roles held by women in rail.
Patrick Allinson, Operations Control Manager at Avanti West Coast worked on the idea and spoke on its importance.
Mr Allinson said: “We want to champion what women bring to the industry.
“Staffing our Control with this experienced team for a whole shift today is a great way to show this.
“The number of women working here in Control is a great thing to celebrate.
“By showcasing their roles we hope to encourage others to choose a career in rail.
“I have an eight-year-old daughter who I want to be able to consider many careers – some of which have previously been dominated by men.
“By joining my colleagues to recognise women in these roles… we hope we can break the bias today and for future generations.”
This follows on from Avanti West Coast’s campaign to encourage more women to become train drivers.
Avanti West Coast Team Leader Laura Warwick shares her experiences of working in rail, video credit - Avanti West Coast
Avanti West Coast also commented on their pledge to further diversify their workforce by employing more women to roles within rail.
Lizzie Power, Employee Director at Avanti West Coast said: “We’re committed to developing our culture of diversity and championing the women across our business.
“One of the ways we are doing this is showcasing the roles of women in the business, across the network and throughout the industry.
“By challenging stereotypes and rejecting discrimination, we hope to pave the way for future generations.
“[We hope to] inspire those from all backgrounds to join the railway.”
Featured image - Avanti West Coast
