Radio presenter leaves BBC after 22 years to become train driver
She quit her career as a producer and presenter with BBC Radio Lancashire to become a train driver.
Alex Worsick, 49, decided to apply for the role after she heard an interview with a fellow train driver. (Courtesy of Northern via SWNS)
By Charlie Fenton
A BBC radio presenter looking for a fresh challenge has swapped the recording studio for a train driver's cab.
Alex Worsick, 49, quit her 22-year-long career as a producer and presenter with BBC Radio Lancashire to become a train driver.
Alex decided to apply for the role after she heard an interview with a fellow train driver, Lauren Pugh, 37, encourage more women to consider a career in rail.
She said: "I clipped what Lauren was saying for a story on the news bulletins and she made it sound like a brilliant opportunity.
"I was looking for a new challenge at the time, so I thought I would give it a go and apply.
"I had got to the stage where I had done everything I wanted to do with the BBC — reporting, producing, news reading and editing.
"It was a bit nerve-racking changing careers in your mid-40s, but I thought 'if I don't do it now, I never will.'"
Northern train driver Alex Worsick. (Courtesy of Northern via SWNS)
Alex, from Lytham, Lancashire, submitted an application to become a trainee driver in 2024.
She made it through the selection process, which involves a series of interviews, psychometric testing and a physical.
The former journalist then completed 20 weeks in the classroom, learning about how trains actually work, a comprehensive rulebook that all drivers must follow and signaling systems.
Alex is now in the process of gaining 230 hours of hands-on experience in the driver's cab, so she can safely operate different types of train on five routes that run through Lancashire and Merseyside.
When drivers are fully qualified then can be paid up to £65,000 ($88,500), according to the National Careers Service.
The ex-presenter said: "It's a brand-new challenge, so you have to accept it will be difficult at times, but it's really rewarding.
"I have never learned so much stuff in such a short amount of time as I have at train driver school.
"Being in that front cab is surreal, but you feel reassured straight away as you have an instructor with you.
Alex Worsick during her time at the BBC. (Courtesy of Northern via SWNS)
"I grew up in Accrington and on one of my first journeys I drove over the big viaduct.
"I have driven and walked under it thousands of times over the years, but being in that front cab — taking people where they wanted to go — felt like a real privilege. It was quite special."
Alex is working hard to complete her training and encouraging other people who are looking for a new career to consider joining the railway.
"I wish I had done it years ago, especially with Northern because everyone I have met has been so encouraging and supportive. It's like one big family," she said.
"I feel like I've got a new lease of life because it's switched my brain on. It's such a long time since I had to learn so much new information, I feel like a student again.
"That's really satisfying and it gives me a real sense of achievement."