South Western Railway is launching a campaign to recruit more women train drivers.

Currently, only eight per cent of SWR's train drivers are women, the same as the national average.

The company plans to open applications for roles in Farnham, Fratton, Waterloo, and Weymouth soon.

To support the recruitment drive, SWR has released a video featuring three women drivers, Gemma, Yasel, and Sally, sharing their experiences and the benefits of the role.

Gemma, who has a background in the NHS and as a guard, says the railway offers unique opportunities.

Yasel, who transitioned from quality control and mechanics, appreciates the job's flexibility.

Sally, who previously drove London buses, became a Driver Instructor after working at Wimbledon depot and was the first to drive one of SWR’s new Arterio trains in service.

SWR’s training programme, based at its Basingstoke campus, requires no prior rail experience and lasts 18 months, including 225 hours of driving with an instructor.

SWR also engages with industry-wide programmes like Routes into Rail and hosts a Women Drivers Network.

These roles are competitive, and interested candidates should register for job alerts on the FirstGroup careers page to be notified when applications open.

Sally said: "It’s more than just a job, it’s a career with lots of different opportunities. I’m now a Driver Instructor, which has been one of the most memorable accomplishments of my career so far."

Fraser Dawson, SWR’s recruitment business partner said: "Our people are our greatest asset, and we’re committed to fostering a more diverse and inclusive organisation, where everyone is recognised and represented. We want to encourage applications from all sections of the community. By opening doors to more women, we gain a wider talent pool, fresh perspectives and experience to help shape the industry for the future.

"Our latest recruitment campaign showcases our inclusive, flexible workplace culture, the benefits and the development opportunities available – no matter where people are in their career journey. If you’ve ever wondered about working in rail, take the leap and join us on this exciting journey."