Welcome back to our ‘Women On Track’ campaign where we are celebrating the women at the heart of our business! We are showcasing that women belong in all areas of the railway industry, and as such, a career with us can be varied, rewarding, and impactful.
Today we’re introducing you to Alex: part of our first ever Graduate cohorts. She’s worked at London Northwestern and West Midlands Railway for 1 year now, completing placements throughout the wider business!
What do you do day-to-day in your role?
The graduate programme has allowed me to gain experience and build my knowledge of the rail industry by working in different departments across the business. I have worked in Stations, Property, On Train and Revenue Protection.
I've learned something new every day by interacting with customers on the frontline as well as contributing towards projects that will make a difference for customers who use our stations and travel on our trains.
What do you like about working for the railway?
I have enjoyed learning and working alongside experienced colleagues from across the business and the wider rail industry. Throughout my experience as a graduate, I have been able to take onboard valuable advice and knowledge which I will never forget as I continue to progress in my career.
How does it feel to be a woman working on the railway? (i.e. do you feel like you stand out as a woman at work)
Having completed graduate placements in different departments across the business, it became clear to me that there are still areas which are more male dominated than others. Despite this, I have never felt out of place or treated differently because I am a woman.
The opportunity to have female mentors and colleagues to look up to has also been inspiring for me as a young woman joining the railway and I am keen to become more involved with organisations such as Women in Rail and Young Rail Professionals to inspire other young women to realise their potential and support each other.
What would you say to a woman thinking about getting into the railway?
As part of my graduate programme, I have actively promoted the railway as a career pathway for young people, especially young women, as I believe more women should be made aware of the range of exciting opportunities that await them here in rail.
Pursuing a career in rail is easily the best decision I ever made. The railway is such a dynamic and varied industry to work in, and every person who I have met has been so welcoming and supportive of me as I have learned and developed during my time here.
How was the application for the Graduate Scheme?
It was a two-step process comprising of an in-person assessment centre followed by an interview round and I found both elements of the application process to be insightful and enjoyable. Having the chance to interact with experienced colleagues helped me gain a good feel for the business and its values. Now I've been here for nearly a year and I'm loving it!
Have you felt supported whilst completing your Graduate Scheme, and if so what support has been available to you?
As graduates we have worked in many different teams, and all my colleagues have encouraged me to make the most of my graduate experience. We are very lucky to have such a fantastic support network around us to help us navigate the business and offer pastoral care when required.
For day-to-day support I have always felt comfortable approaching placement Line Manager or Graduate Programme Manager. We also have mentors who act as a point of contact for professional guidance and advice over the course of our graduate programme.
From September 2025-26, I will act as a buddy for one of the new graduates entering into the business. I can't wait to share my experience, knowledge and offer support where needed to help make sure my buddy enjoys their time on the graduate programme as much as I have!
What’s most surprised you about working on the railway?
Before I joined the railway, I had no idea how big the scale of the operation actually is when it comes down to the intricacies of running trains and managing our stations. Working alongside colleagues on the frontline as well as in our head office has helped me appreciate the passion and hard work that goes into providing our customers with a positive experience and getting them safely to their destination.
Alex has since secured a full-time position with the company as a Senior Conductor Manager!
Interested? Inspired? Check out our careers page for more information on our current vacancies, and a (long) list of benefits to joining the railway: https://www.londonnorthwesternrailway.co.uk/about-us/careers