Transport for Wales (TfW) is continuing to make progress in attracting and retaining women across traditionally male-dominated rail and transport roles, as industry leaders and the Welsh Government step up efforts to improve diversity across the sector. Recent figures show that while women remain significantly under-represented in transport, targeted recruitment, apprenticeships and workplace inclusion initiatives are beginning to deliver tangible results.
Earlier this month, Welsh Deputy Minister for Transport Mark Hooper met Marie Daly, Chief Operating Officer at Transport for Wales and Chair of Women in Rail, to discuss progress and identify further opportunities to support women pursuing careers in transport.
Research by Transport for Wales shows that women account for just 20% of Wales' Transport and Communications workforce, while representation falls to only 6.7% among transport and mobile machine drivers and operators. Driver, engineering and vehicle maintenance roles continue to record some of the lowest levels of female participation.
Despite these challenges, the industry is seeing encouraging signs of progress. Between 2022 and 2023, the number of female TfW train drivers increased from 54 to 76, raising female driver representation from 7.4% to 9.3%. During the same period, the proportion of women joining TfW apprenticeship programmes rose dramatically from 14.3% to 42.9%.
From Apprentice to Award-Winning Engineer
One of the standout success stories is Chloe Thomas, who joined Transport for Wales more than 11 years ago as a maintenance apprentice.
After completing her apprenticeship and obtaining a first-class honours degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Thomas progressed through several engineering roles, moving from maintenance technician to fleet support engineer before taking up her current position as an Assurance Engineer responsible for the Class 398 fleet.
During her career, she has supported and led major projects, including the trial of a new signalling system on the Heart of Wales Line and the introduction of new rolling stock across the Welsh rail network. In 2022, she was recognised as Rail Engineer of the Year at the Rail Staff Awards after becoming the first female apprentice to work at TfW's Canton Depot in Cardiff.
More recently, Thomas established the Women in Fleet group, aimed at connecting and supporting women working across fleet operations.
Chloe said:
"Over the last 11 years, I've been part of a huge amount of change at Transport for Wales. That hasn't just been reflected in my own career progression, but also in the culture of the business.
“Since starting Women in Fleet group just last year, the group has grown to more than 30 women.”
“We've already helped deliver a significant overhaul of the facilities at Canton Depot, with improvements to the female facilities at Machynlleth depot also underway. We've also been working closely with the policy team to review and improve several workplace policies. It's fantastic to see what we've achieved in such a short time, and I'm excited to see how the group continues to grow and make a positive difference for colleagues across the business.”
Industry Leadership Driving Inclusion
Women are increasingly holding senior leadership roles across the Welsh transport sector. Alongside her role as TfW COO, Marie Daly serves as Chair of Women in Rail, the industry organisation dedicated to improving gender diversity and inclusion across the UK rail sector.
She said:
"It was great to meet with the Deputy Minister to showcase the work we are doing to boost female representation across our workforce.
"While we are seeing real progress, women still account for just 20% of Wales's transport and communications workforce.
"At Transport for Wales and through Women in Rail, we remain fully committed to breaking down barriers, inspiring the next generation, attracting diverse talent, and ensuring women see transport as a rewarding, long-term career."
Other senior female leaders helping shape the sector include Natalie Britton, Operations Director at Milford Haven Port Authority, and Sarah West, Managing Director of Stena Line UK & Ireland Ports.
Natalie Britton said:
“What I value most about working at the Port is the diversity and scope of the role. Every day presents new opportunities to collaborate with different customers and teams, solve complex challenges and contribute to projects that support the organisation’s continued success.
“I am particularly proud of the positive impact the Port has on the local community, supporting jobs, businesses and future opportunities across the region. Being part of an organisation that plays such an important role in the area’s growth and prosperity is both rewarding and inspiring.”
Government Backing for Greater Diversity
The Welsh Government continues to support initiatives designed to improve female representation within transport. The Women in Transport Wales Hub, established in 2022 with Welsh Government support, provides networking, development opportunities and a platform for sharing industry best practice.
Transport for Wales is also working alongside trade unions, industry partners and public sector organisations to attract more women into train driving, engineering and operational roles through targeted recruitment campaigns, secondment opportunities and workplace improvements.
The Deputy Minister, Mark Hooper, said:
"I’m pleased to hear about the progress Transport for Wales are making in actively recruiting and retaining women into traditionally male jobs. I'm keen to understand what more we can do to support that progress.
"As we continue to develop and improve transport across Wales, inclusion, opportunity and culture change must be integral to that development, not an afterthought."
Image credits: Welsh Government
