Children 's book launched to tackle stereotypes in rail industry
A new children 's book aimed at tackling stereotypes in the rail industry was launched at a West Midlands Railway (WMR) station.
The event at Wolverhampton saw school children rail industry representatives gathered for the launch of 'My Mummy is a Train Driver ', the latest in a series of children 's books promoting diversity and inclusion.
WMR and sister company London Northwestern Railway joined with partners across the rail industry to co-fund the book - and one of the company 's own drivers offered her insights on life in the driver 's cab during its creation.
West Midlands born authors Jason and Kerrine Bryan collaborated with the industry to highlight why careers in rail are open to all and how the railway is striving to better represent the communities that they serve.
At today 's event, invited guests including children from Graiseley Primary School in Wolverhampton, heard first-hand from a number of women train drivers and had the chance to sit in the driver 's seat of a real-life train.
Jo MacPhail, HR director at WMR, said: “It was a pleasure for West Midlands Railway to host the launch of 'My Mummy is a Train Driver ' at Wolverhampton station today. It is important to highlight diversity and promote inclusion in the rail industry, something this book captures perfectly.
“I hope Kerrine and Jason Bryan 's wonderful series will inspire young people - such as the children from Graiseley Primary School - to go on to become the next generation of drivers. ”
Jason Bryan, the book 's co-author, who gave a reading at the event, said: “Like many sectors, the rail industry can sometimes face misconceptions that some of the jobs are not suited for certain people.
“In reality, the industry has done an awful lot to improve diversity and inclusion through various initiatives and this book aims to inspire young children and anyone who reads it to consider a future career in rail. ”
Sharifan Nasa, head teacher of Graiseley Primary School, said: “It was a huge privilege for our children to be part of this inspiring event. It is so important for young children to not only have a love for reading but to understand that the job of a train driver is something every child can aspire to.
“The children loved every minute of their time on the station - many of them had never sat in a train before and I am sure this event will have a long-term benefit for our young people. ”
One of a series of children 's books, 'My Mummy is a Train Driver ' is available to buy now.
Pictured from left to right: Author Jason Bryan, a school child, driver Michelle Nicholson, and head teacher Sharifan Nasa