Celebrate International Women in Engineering Day with GTR and AFBE

On 23 June, rail operator GTR (Govia Thameslink Railway) will be marking International Women in Engineering Day with a virtual open day. Students across the UK will get a chance to learn more about the organisation, including the variety of career opportunities on offer.

Delivered in collaboration with the Association for BME Engineers (AFBE), the 90-minute online event will help promote diversity in the industry and ‘open the doors’ to the engineering department at the UK’s largest train operator.

The engineering sector is experiencing a shortage of skilled professionals, in addition to a lack of representation by people from a black and minority ethnic (BME) background. Only 9% of UK engineers are from BME backgrounds, compared to almost 30% who have graduated with an engineering degree. With previous experience in the sector not required, GTR hopes to encourage individuals from all backgrounds to attend the event to get a taste of what the industry can offer.

Steve Lammin, Engineering Director at GTR, said: “Engineering is a vital part of the business and we’re always on the lookout for future talent. Our engineering apprenticeships offer the chance to learn on the job, earning a real salary to achieve a nationally-recognised qualification.

“Our trains have all kinds of systems, with electrical, mechanical, and modern computer control. If you have a passion for new technology and all things electrical, mechanical or engineering, the event will give you an idea of what a career as an engineer could entail.”

Reneth McKenzie-Schoetz, AFBE-UK Director, added: "We're delighted to be working with GTR on this fantastic event. It's a brilliant opportunity to showcase the range of careers within rail and engineering. Women make up 51% of the UK's population yet only 12% of engineers are female. We want to celebrate diversity within the engineering profession, especially on International Women in Engineering Day, by showcasing and encouraging as many people to consider it as a career of choice."

The interactive event will include updates from a range of colleagues across the team, including Zoey Hudson, Head of Talent, Diversity and Inclusion, Dionne Mckenzie, Head of People in Engineering and HQ functions and Steve Lammin, Engineering Director. There will also be speakers from AFBE, GTR’s Women’s Network and a range of colleagues from the wider Engineering department, before concluding with a Q&A.

Those interested in attending this insightful careers event are asked to register interest here by 17 June.

To find out more about engineering careers at GTR, visit the portal here: https://gtrailwaycareers.com/jobs/functions/engineering