A mum has made a big career change after being out of work for a decade.

Leigh Santamaria from Longfield, Dartford left her job in the legal field 10 years ago to become a full-time carer, but now she’s a train driver for Southern Rail.

But, returning back to the work field after a long break was not as simple as Leigh thought at first.

The mum gave up her role as a legal PA 10 years ago, to care for her daughter full time.

The 52-year-old said: “She is very vulnerable and will probably have to live with me for the rest of her life, so it felt right to pause my career and focus all my energy on her.”

In 2021 she received a qualification in accountancy after studying for it, but wasn’t able to secure a job in the sector despite months of applying.

After seeing an advert on social media featuring a female train driver, Leigh began looking at opportunities and vacancies for trainees.

She applied for a position through Career Returners – a programme aimed at people who want to get back into work after long job breaks.

It was perfect for the position she was in, she says.

“I’ve been doing my course for six months now and it’s very interesting – I’ve had the opportunity to study GCSEs in English, mathematics and IT, which is great for my skills set.”

She is also learning the 300-page driver’s rule book off-by-heart- to become fully qualified as a train driver.

“Coming back to work after a 10-year break was a huge change, because I’d been out of the loop for so long,” said Leigh.

But, she says the transition has made easier with the help from those around her.

“My manager is very supportive, and we have regular check in sessions to see how I’m progressing,” she added.

“I’m also able to balance my studying and caring thanks to my mum and the brilliant day support my daughter receives from her specialist school.”