A FORMER ScotRail engineering management trainee has been appointed the rail operator’s first female engineering director, writes Karen Peattie.

Syeda Ghufran, who joined ScotRail in 2010, was previously head of engineer depots and the first woman to hold that role. Since 2013, she has delivered a number of engineering projects including train reliability modifications, fleet refurbishments, the rollout of wi-fi, and the installation of driver advisory systems (DAS).

Ms Ghufran’s appointment coincides with International Women in Engineering Day, taking place today. She replaces Angus Thom, who was promoted to chief operating officer earlier this year. He said he hoped her appointment would persuade more young women and girls to consider a career in engineering.

ScotRail has pledged to encourage more women to join the railway through graduate, apprenticeship and internship programmes. Some 50 per cent of the company’s recent intake of engineering apprentices are female.

“I want to change perceptions and encourage more young women to consider engineering as a viable and rewarding career,” said Ms Ghufran.