Metro has continued to train new Authorised Officers who are now out on the network supporting a safer journey for passengers.

Eight women who previously faced barriers to employment have become members of Metro’s Authorised Officer (AO) team.

The women from asylum seeker, refugee, and long-term unemployed backgrounds were recruited through Metro’s Socially Responsible Employment program.

Husnia, originally from Afghanistan, fled with her family to Pakistan two decades ago. She arrived in Melbourne two years ago and immediately knew she would be happy with her peaceful life in Australia.

“After the initial culture shock of coming to Australia, I felt like I was in paradise. The most important thing for my family is that our life is peaceful here.

“I love my job as an Authorised Officer, it’s what I’ve wanted to do for a long time. It gives me the lifestyle I want and I get to be out on the train network helping people.”

The new recruits completed an intensive 10-week training program including classroom, in-field and scenario based learning, with a strong focus on safety and improving the passenger experience on the network.

All AOs are trained to assist vulnerable passengers on the network, including those fleeing family violence or experiencing homelessness – adversity that some of the trainees personally faced prior to joining Metro.

Between them, the women speak seven different languages – including Dari, Hindi, Punjabi, Somali, Urdu and Amharic.

In the past financial year Metro has recruited 45 people who previously faced barriers to employment.