Try to figure out what you want and then make decision makers for those roles aware of your aspirations and why you think it would be good for both FirstGroup and you. I kept in touch with the network I established regularly – both to understand what was happening across the division but also to get an understanding of opportunities that might be available. I got my Greyhound role by repeatedly nudging the then Chief Financial Officer that it would be great for development and knowledge sharing if we could do more overseas secondments.

Experiencing new things will broaden your horizon and give you things to talk about. This is really useful for life experiences and for discussions at interviews when the time is right to move on. Seek out new opportunities to meet new people and take part in exciting and innovative new projects. Want to try something different from your day job and see if you like it first? Why not do some shadowing or grab the opportunity to go on secondment within the business you're working in? With a secondment this is ideal as it means your original position will be waiting for you if, and when, you decide to return. You never know, a secondment may lead to new doors opening that you never thought about previously!

I would encourage anyone who wants to pursue a career as a Train Driver...Go for it. You will not regret it. From the very early shifts to the late ones; every drive brings its own challenges. This is something that still excites me when I get to drive. I have played an active part in answering recruitment questions in the past as well as delivering training to trainee drivers. So the application process will all be worth it once you sit in the driving seat. We’re determined to make a difference. We’ve worked with the LGBTQ+ community and our Inclusion Council to raise the bar. At Avanti West Coast, we’re committed to creating a team that works for all of us. We know it’s not enough to say it – we must live it too. Every single day. That’s why we’ve introduced Live Proud. In a world where anyone can be anything, we all want the opportunity to be ourselves. That’s why we’re encouraging colleagues, customers and communities to share their spark. And when it comes to Pride, we’re proud to stand out. If you have been thinking about applying, come and share your spark and join our amazing community.