Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR), the UK’s largest train operator, is launching two new apprenticeship courses designed to help women advance into leadership roles within the rail industry. Announced ahead of International Women’s Day (March 8, 2025), the Women in Leadership training programmes aim to bridge the gender gap in rail and equip female employees with essential management skills.

The UK rail sector remains male-dominated, with women making up just over 17% of the workforce, according to the Office of Rail and Road (ORR). While GTR’s female workforce stands at 20%, the company is committed to increasing this number by providing career progression opportunities tailored specifically to women.

New Apprenticeship Programs for Women in Rail

GTR is rolling out Women in Leadership Level 3 and Level 5 apprenticeships in partnership with Learnmore, an education provider specializing in workplace leadership development.

• Level 3 Women in Leadership – A 15-month entry-level training programme for women aspiring to move into management roles. Modules include team and project management, networking, confidence-building, and overcoming imposter syndrome.
• Level 5 Women in Leadership – Aimed at experienced professionals, this advanced course prepares female mentors to develop the next generation of leaders in GTR.

Additionally, GTR is launching:

• Level 7 Senior Leadership Programme – Designed for women preparing for executive roles in rail operations.
• Level 4 Data Analyst Apprenticeship – Equipping women with skills in data-driven decision-making to support railway innovation.

These new offerings bring GTR’s total number of apprenticeship programs to nearly 20, covering roles in engineering, operations, and customer service.

Industry-Wide Mentorship and Training Initiatives

GTR has also joined the Women in Rail cross-industry mentoring scheme, providing five female employees with one-on-one mentorship from industry specialists over a nine-month period. This initiative aligns with the UK government’s Transport Infrastructure Skills Strategy, which promotes greater diversity in rail and transport careers.

Zoey Hudson, Head of Development, Learning, and Inclusion at GTR, emphasized the company’s commitment to fostering a more inclusive rail industry:

“We are proud that our female workforce is above the industry average, but we want to go further. These tailored training programs ensure that women have the right opportunities to develop their leadership skills and progress in their careers.”

Success Stories: Women Advancing in Rail Careers

GTR’s investment in female apprenticeships is already delivering results.

• Lily Scott – A member of GTR’s Infrastructure team, Lily is preparing to start her third apprenticeship, demonstrating how the company enables ongoing professional growth.
• Elba Lovelace-Francis – Qualified as a train driver after completing her apprenticeship, having previously been unemployed for 18 months.

With no cap on the number of apprenticeships employees can undertake, GTR is ensuring that women can develop expertise across multiple disciplines.

Government Support for Women in Rail

The UK Department for Transport (DfT) and Network Rail’s Diversity and Inclusion Strategy encourage initiatives like GTR’s Women in Leadership apprenticeships to increase female representation in transport careers. As part of the Rail Sector Deal, the government is also investing in skills development and workplace inclusion, making programs like these essential for the industry’s future.

By offering structured training, mentorship, and leadership pathways, GTR is empowering women to take on management and executive roles, shaping a more diverse and inclusive rail sector for the future.

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