Women in the FS Group talk about their technical professions

Through meetings with FS Group mentors, young women are encouraged to undertake technical studies, be informed about job perspectives and equipped with the right tools, such as the motivation, skills and opportunities to better realise their potential and talent. All this is possible thanks to the 100-plus women in the FS Group engaged in the technical areas, who have joined the project and become role models for students in all respects.

Focus on: Flavia Rita Gentile - Territorial Production Directorate, RFI

Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

“Having been with the company since 2010, I am currently responsible for RFI’s engineering structure at the Ancona site. I work in the world of maintenance and deal with the renewal and upgrading of the railway network.

With my team and colleagues from the Directorate, we are committed to ensuring the mobility of people and goods via rail, along with the protection of railway assets.

I consider my job as a mission at the service of the country, a constant commitment 365 days a year, which accompanies me in my professional choices, strengthens my passion and makes me more determined in overcoming the daily challenges.”

The testimonies of our mentors

Professions on the worksites and at the facilities

Working on designing and building railway infrastructure or in the maintenance facilities of our trains.

On the worksites and at the facilities

Specialised maintenance operator - There are two different roles, one dedicated to rolling stock and the other to railway infrastructure. In common is the type of tasks performed, being practical and operational activities of installation, maintenance, along with verifications of the plants and structures, equipment and – depending on the context – on rolling stock or infrastructure. In both cases, precision and a spirit of adaptation is required. Qualification requirement: diploma.

Current rolling stock maintenance plant operator - This role deals with defining the requirements of consumables for the specific plant, controlling the proper execution of the maintenance operations, the operational management of plant personnel and control of the correct implementation of scheduled maintenance. This role requires excellent relational and communicative skills, precision, leadership and strong motivation. Qualification requirement: degree.

This role covers activities aimed at the realisation and control of the production processes in the workshops, laboratories, in-line, in the plants and worksites. The Planner must be available to travel around Italy and abroad, having excellent relational and communicative skills, precision and a digital and innovative approach. Qualification requirement: degree.

Head of Infrastructure - The Head of Infrastructure is responsible for the maintenance and safety of the infrastructure (railway equipment, buildings and artworks) and the technological facilities in order to ensure the safe and smooth movement of the trains and the protection of railway assets. Key requirements are a sense of responsibility, the ability to intervene with respect to the individual situations, and leadership. Qualification requirement: degree.

Infrastructure Works Director - This role is responsible for the proper execution of the reinforcement and renovation of civil and infrastructure works and technological plants, in compliance with current safety legislation. Professional qualifications are obligatory. Other significant requirements include leadership, the ability to intervene, problem solving, along with excellent relational and communicative skills. Qualification requirement: degree.

Professions on the train and on the tracks

Aboard the trains or buses, working on the infrastructure or in the operating room to accompany thousands of passengers each day.

On the train and on the tracks

This person literally makes the trains run. The Train Operator conducts traction vehicles or trains travelling along the national or local infrastructure. The Train Operator is also responsible for carrying out visits for the technical checking and verifications on traction vehicles and trains, operating on them as necessary. Accuracy, focus and excellent time management skills are key characteristics for this position. Qualification requirement: diploma.

Perhaps one of the most recognisable vocations due to working closely with passengers. Yet, their activities concern much more than ticket inspections, customer assistance and providing information. The Conductor is responsible for the entire train in terms of its circulation – including the compilation and retention of travel documents, coordination of on-board personnel, surveillance and control over the service running on time. The Conductor must know at least one foreign language (preferably English or French). Qualification requirement: diploma.

This position covers various types of activities including technical-operational, organisational, administrative, management and accounting, all aimed at the realisation and control of production processes in the workshops, laboratories, in-line, and in the facilities and worksites. Tenacity, initiative and team coordination are essential for this position. Qualification requirement: diploma.

This very practical job involves manoeuvring exchanges and signals for the train traffic through the safety devices, directing the composition and breakdown of the railway convoys, conducting the locomotives as part of certain movements within the service facilities, such as a station or a stop, and carrying out technical operations on the traction vehicles and towed convoys. Completing the position are focus, accuracy and time-management skills. Qualification requirement: diploma.

Good decision-making, organisational and communication skills are indispensable in conducting the activities of handling circulation, surveillance and technical-administrative coordination within the station. The Stationmaster further monitors the course of the trains and the application of regulations governing rail operations.

Professions in the office

Organising, managing, planning: office work in the FS Italiane Group is different, as our mentors confirm.

In the office

This role covers many tasks including promotions, sales, and even technical and administrative coordination, the testing and verification of materials and providing assistance to the clientele. This role requires a sense of responsibility, spirit of adaptation along with good decision-making, organisational and communication skills. Qualification requirement: diploma.

This position entails developing safety procedures for various corporate activities, providing staff with all information regarding safety within the company – especially current risks, the adopted prevention measures, procedures to be followed in the event of an accident or emergency, along with highlighting any potential hazards related to the use of certain materials or substances or work activities to be conducted. Accuracy, good analytical skills and a strong sense of responsibility complete this position. Qualification requirement: degree.

This job handles the definition and updating of processes and maintenance methods (maintenance plans and their improvement plus the operational cycles), develops proposals for improvement and remedial actions regarding rolling stock and infrastructure. The person must be available to travel around Italy and abroad, having excellent relational and communicative skills, precision and a digital and innovative approach. Qualification requirement: degree.

Head of Prevention and Protection Service - This position entails developing safety procedures for various corporate activities, providing staff with all information regarding safety within the company – especially current risks, the adopted prevention measures, procedures to be followed in the event of an accident or emergency, along with highlighting any potential hazards related to the use of certain materials or substances or work activities to be conducted. Accuracy, good analytical skills and a strong sense of responsibility complete this position. Qualification requirement: degree.

Disclaimer: the images and videos on this page were taken during pre-COVID times.