The First Female Machinist in the 145 years

Hungarian Railways trains women drivers for first time
 

Hungarian Railways (MAV) on Monday began training female train drivers for the first time in its 145-year history.

"There is no coal to shovel or heavy weights to lift these days, which makes the job more suitable and attractive for women," MAV spokesman Karoly Peiper told AFP.

"Our trains are modern and largely automated," he added.

A total of 21 students including seven women started the course which will last 13 months and include 320 hours of practical instruction on 10 different engine models.

MAV chief executive Ilona David told a press conference that the labour force needed to be expanded and that employing women train drivers was part of a modernisation programme.

"The same performance will be expected of the female students as of the male students," she added.

MAV is one of the former communist country's largest employers, with around 38,000 workers.

Female drivers are already a common sight on buses and trams in Hungary.

The number of women in Hungary's labour force has increased steadily in recent years, hitting its highest level in 2012 since 1992.