CrossCountry’s apprenticeship scheme has helped Plymouth-based driver Chloe Chapman turn her lifelong dream into reality – and in doing so, she has become a role model for women entering the rail industry.
At 33, Chloe switched careers after a decade with Royal Mail, applying for a train driver apprenticeship in 2023. Her determination paid off: in March 2025 she took her first solo train out of Plymouth, achieving what she describes as “the most rewarding decision I’ve ever made.”
From Childhood Inspiration to the Driver’s Seat
Chloe’s passion for railways began early, inspired by her grandfather, a fitter at Laira depot, and her grandmother, who took her on countless train journeys to Cornwall. But like many women, she once dismissed driving trains as a “man’s job”.
CrossCountry’s apprenticeship changed that. Starting with psychometric tests and competency-based interviews, Chloe progressed through six months of intensive training in Derby before qualifying for solo driving. She recalls her first trip at the controls as “both exhilarating and unforgettable.”
Breaking Barriers in a Male-Dominated Role
Chloe’s journey reflects a broader shift. Women now make up 17.4% of the UK rail workforce, up from 16% the year before. CrossCountry has trained more than 300 apprentices in three years, supporting entrants from a wide range of backgrounds.
“Joining CrossCountry has been pivotal,” Chloe said. “It’s empowering to see growing opportunities for women in rail, and I feel proud to be part of this shift. My daughter watched me drive my first solo train, and that memory proves to her – and to me – that no job is off limits.”
Inclusive Pathways Into Rail
CrossCountry’s apprenticeship programme is open to both newcomers and career changers, offering structured training, fully funded qualifications and support from experienced industry coaches. The operator sees apprenticeships as a way of diversifying its workforce and breaking down barriers in rail.
Michael Valentine, CrossCountry’s Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Manager, said:
“Ensuring equity and diversity is not just a goal but a core part of our identity. Offering apprenticeships to open up opportunities helps us stay true to what CrossCountry stands for.”
For Chloe, the shift has been life-changing – and she hopes her story encourages others to follow
