Prior to Kerry’s election in April 2014 there were little opportunities available at Bristol Depot. There had been a ULR in post, but their work pattern (night shift) made it prohibitive to fulfil the role.

As a care leaver Kerry had few prospects. She was virtually written off at school, despite getting good GCSE grades. The struggle of juggling school and living on her own, on benefits, became too difficult and at the age of 16 she dropped out of sixth form. 

Kerry got on a trainee scheme but soon figured she would not be kept on to a full time position. She went to college in the evening and built up her qualifications, so when she was made unemployed she had skills.  With the help from The Princes Trust she started her own business helping unemployed youths by providing training placements and mentoring.

In 2008 she joined the railway as a train driver. In 2009 she was diagnosed with a long term medical condition. Concerned that she may not be able to continue driving trains, Kerry put together a business case to her employer and secured funding for a degree course through the Institution of Railway Operators.

Kerry graduated in 2014 and became a Union Learning Representative. ASLEF provided the structure to enable Kerry to grow and develop. Straight away Kerry was under the supervision of her ASLEF Education Project Worker. Kerry receives vital ongoing one to one support and guidance. ASLEF organised the Stage 1 & 2 residential training course, providing an invaluable unique opportunities to learn from tutor lead discussions as well as from fellow drivers from different train operating companies.

With the trade union’s encouragement Kerry had grown in confidence and has been helping people from all grades to find and fund suitable courses, for a mixture of enjoyment, career progression and future security. She has built the trust amongst colleagues through seeing her study hard for the degree at break times over several years. She is also a mother and knows first-hand about the challenges of bringing up a child, working shifts and continuing studying. Her life experiences have proved that nothing is certain. No job is guaranteed for life. Ill health can come out of nowhere and have a serious impact on your career and life choices. It taught her the importance of up skilling.

Kerry has been actively promoting learning and has enrolled learners at Bristol Temple Meads. One of her learners has already had a promotion, the managers were so impressed that he was studying for a Team Leader Level 2 Certificate that Kerry had enrolled him on. Staff now approach her who left school with no formal qualifications, who want to learn now so they can help their children and grandchildren with their schoolwork. Kerry’s work is not only having a positive impact in the workplace but also has an out reaching effect on the community.