With a dedicated, highly skilled workforce from over 24 countries, Edinburgh’s popular tram network is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment within the light rail industry.
Following a series of hugely successful recruitment campaigns, Edinburgh Trams has proved an attractive proposition for applicants from all backgrounds, offering a career pathway to all personnel regardless of their nationality, sexual orientation, or religious beliefs.
Marilena Papadopoulou is one of several employees from overseas, who was born in Greece and initially started as a Customer Service & Ticketing Assistant nearly a decade ago. She said:
Edinburgh Trams has been extremely helpful both in my professional and personal life. All my colleagues have thoroughly helped me to better understand British culture and have made me feel that I belong here.
Thanks to my engineering qualification, I was appointed to the position of Renewals Manager in 2020 and I am now responsible for a 10-year programme with a budget of £50m, which has seen the installation of electric vehicle charging points in our depot among other projects.
Another valued member of the team is Po Yee Tsui, who is originally from Hong Kong and was promoted to Office Assistant last year after excelling at her previous customer-facing role.
I really enjoy working in an environment with people from different backgrounds and cultures; I learn something new every single day! she said.
Sue Bucher, the operator’s Head of HR, commented:
We take our responsibilities as a major Edinburgh employer very seriously and continually assess what improvements we can make to maintain a stimulating and supportive workplace where rocking our differences is valued, celebrated, and encouraged.
From South America and Africa to Europe and Asia, our colleagues reflect the diversity of the millions of customers we serve. They bring personal experience and distinct perspectives to all departments which strengthens the whole business.
