My Train Driver Journey

I joined the railway in 2002, starting on the gateline. From there, I moved onto platform duties, including cleaning toilets and litter picking. I later became a Station Supervisor and then worked in the ticket office. While working in the ticket office, I saw an internal advert for a Shunter Driver. One of my colleagues dared me to apply. I could see the doubt on his face, so I thought, 'Why not?' In 2005, I became the first female Shunter Driver employed by Southeastern Trains. That experience gave me the confidence to aim higher and eventually become a Train Driver. In 2008, I left the railway to start a family. I had always wanted to become a mainline train driver, but during that gap away from the railway, I worked in the NHS, local council and care sector.

As a driver, you are responsible for the safe operation of your train and everyone on board. You are constantly monitoring signals, managing delays, dealing with unexpected incidents and ensuring passengers reach their destination safely.

The first three months after I qualified were incredibly tough. I nearly quit because I had not fully appreciated the pressure that comes with being responsible for hundreds of lives. I was afraid. I had to overcome fear and anxiety. When trains fail, there are long delays, or incidents occur on board, the pressure can be immense. You need to stay calm, make the right decisions and remain focused for long periods.

Managing fatigue is a huge part of the job. As a single mother, I wear many hats, and my children deserve my attention. The shifts can be demanding, and you have to make sacrifices in your personal life to ensure you are properly rested. Sometimes that means missing time with family because safety always has to come first. People do not see the mental effort that goes into every shift. They do not see the constant concentration, the responsibility you carry, or the lifestyle changes you make to ensure you are fit to do the job safely, like missing school runs or important moments with my children.

I have applied to become a Train Mentor because I am the driver I am today thanks to the support and guidance I received from the instructors at Southeastern Trains. I would love the opportunity to pass on what I have learned and help develop the next generation of drivers, ensuring they continue to treat this profession with the respect it deserves.

Driving is about your own performance. Mentoring is about helping someone else become the best driver they can be. It is about coaching, supporting and building confidence while maintaining the highest safety standards.

I believe attitude is everything. I would look for people who are willing to learn, accept feedback, stay humble and never lose sight of the responsibility that comes with the job.

What I enjoy most is knowing that every day I am trusted with an incredible responsibility. I also hope to inspire my children, to show them that we are enough, and that even when the odds are against you, with faith and determination, you can succeed.

It is a challenging job, but it is also one of the most rewarding careers you can have. I would absolutely recommend it, but only to people who truly understand what is involved. It is not just about driving trains. It is about protecting lives, making good decisions under pressure, and taking pride in doing an important job well, serving with grace and dignity.