Saudi Arabia announces the recruitment of 30 train woman drivers

An advertisement for 30 female train drivers in Saudi Arabia drew 28,000 applicants, demonstrating the magnitude of the female labor market in the Kingdom.

Renfe, a Spanish railway corporation, said that an online evaluation of academic qualifications and English language skills had helped them cut the number of female candidates in half.

The rest of the massive list will be liquidated by mid-March, according to the Guardian newspaper.

30 Female Train Drivers

Following a year of paid training, 30 women will be selected to drive express trains between Mecca and Medina.

Renfe presently employs 80 personnel in Saudi Arabia to drive its trains, with another 50 undergoing training, according to the company.

33% share
According to the British newspaper, female employment involvement has nearly doubled in the last five years, hitting 33%.

To fulfill Vision 2030, which is regarded as one of its primary pillars to empower Saudi women, women have begun to access positions that were previously reserved to men.