Samantha Smith

摘要

The UK's rail industry is on the cusp of major Government investment, which could see thousands of new roles being created in the sector. But is the industry doing enough to improve its diversity and encourage more people into rail? Here, Samantha Smith, Director at building consultancy and architecture practice AHR, looks at what the industry needs to do if it's to attract the best and brightest talent. I'm a director at building consultancy and architecture practice AHR. I'm responsible for the management and leadership of the building consultancy arm's Manchester and London offices. While my role is cross-sector, I work primarily in the rail industry and have done for more than 25 years. Early in my career I worked on major projects like the Kings Cross Station renovation, removing the anthrax and asbestos - that was an interesting job! More recently, however, I've been working with some of the major train operating companies including Virgin, First, TransPennine Express and Northern Rail. The work I do with them is really varied; it can range from refurbishment work, building work and maintenance to enhancement schemes and building new offices. Anything you find in a railway station, I've probably worked on something similar at some point!