We wanted to find out more about the MTR Crossrail trainee driver programme. We asked some of the successful female trainee drivers, why they applied and how they have progressed.
Lisa
Where did you see the trainee train driver advert?
I kept checking the MTR Crossrail website for new vacancies.
Why did you apply?
I was looking for a rewarding, challenging career with responsibility. MTR Crossrail is an exciting new leading company which will transform travel in London and I wanted to be part of it. I wanted to keep working shifts and the role of a trainee train driver suited all of the above. I like having days off when everyone else is at work.
How did you find the recruitment experience?
It was a long process with a lot of tests and interviews to complete. All the staff at MTR Crossrail were brilliant and made you feel at ease on the stressful test days. I was emailed with updates every step of the way and given clear instructions for the next process to be completed.
How do you feel now that you have been successful in joining our trainee train driver training course?
I am over the moon I have been accepted as the recruitment process is notorious for being difficult. I am excited and looking forward to starting the course. I know it will be hard work and a long training course but I will be proud to say I am a train driver at the end of it.
‘ It should not be a role where females are cautious about applying.
What advice would you give to any other women interested in applying?
I would say to go for it! It should not be a role where females are cautious about applying. The train industry is changing and moving forward and more females should apply. I wondered what response I would get from people when I told them I applied for the job but mainly people were jealous that they didn’t think about applying before themselves.
Duniya
Where did you see the trainee train driver advert?
My aunt forwarded a photo of the advert from our local borough newspaper (Barking and Dagenham ‘The Post’)
Why did you apply?
After forwarding it to male friends my mother told me how ambitious I am as a person and to show the men in my family and friends I could succeed in this too.
How did you find the recruitment experience?
It was an amazing and thrilling experience. As a competitive person I treated all the assessments as games so passing each one was a confidence boost for my skills leaving me feeling like a winner. The candidates you meet along the way were great support as you’re in this together.
‘ I will be a train driver! See, women are taking over!!
How do you feel now that you have been successful in joining our trainee train driver training course?
Looking back at the stages it’s unbelievable I have achieved so much to get where I am. I’ve yet to embark on a journey where I will learn so much about my field which will make me stand out from a crowd. I will be a train driver! See, women are taking over!!
What advice would you give to any other women interested in applying?
If you think this was a male job then why are women in policing, judge positions and engineers? Simple, because we are ambitions species who can do just about anything we set our minds too. If you want a new career where you will ride through new horizons, be a stepping stone for other people’s adventures and be on front line in the biggest infrastructure in Europe then click on the vacancies link and join the family!
Alina
Where did you see the trainee train driver advert?
I saw the trainee driver vacancy advertised on MTR website.
Why did you apply?
Ever since I joined the railway my goal was to become a train driver and Crossrail is the company everyone is talking about, is the biggest project in Europe and is so prestigious already. To be given this chance is absolutely amazing.
‘ I had the opportunity to meet new friendly people with similar interests and goals. It was very competitive in a friendly manner. I did enjoy it greatly.
How did you find the recruitment experience?
The recruitment process was challenging but enjoyable in the same time. I had the opportunity to meet new friendly people with similar interests and goals. It was very competitive in a friendly manner. I did enjoy it greatly.
How do you feel now that you have been successful in joining our trainee train driver training course?
It feels amazing to be successful, I can still not believe it. It is a dream come true. And all the hard work was worth it. I only hope I will go to sleep and wake up in June:)
What advice would you give to any other women interested in applying?
My honest advice is follow your dreams, nothing is impossible if you really want it and focus your energy towards it! The feeling of accomplishment after each assessment passed is absolutely amazing!
Want to fine out more? Why not start your application today here
I’ll be starting my training with these ladies in June too! I’m so excited! Have to say – initially I was a little weary of applying as a female applicant but I needn’t have worried. I have felt very welcomed and comfortable at every step of the application process. I’ve been encouraging all the ladies I know to apply! Anyway, bring on the training! 🙂