McGill’s targets women with driver recruitment days

McGill’s Group is to hold three recruitment days aimed at bringing more women drivers into the bus sector.

The ‘Women at the Wheel’ events will be held at the operator’s depots in Johnstone, Larbert and Dundee on 10, 17 and 24 February respectively.

As Office for National Statistics data suggests only 11% of UK’s coach and bus drivers are women, McGill’s is trying to address the perception that the role is not suited to women.

Natasha Barr, a driver with McGill’s, says: “I started as a driver three years ago, and it’s been the most rewarding career.

“We have a great bunch of colleagues at McGill’s and I also enjoy interacting with the public. The sense of community and the responsibility of getting people where they need to go is very fulfilling.

“I encourage other women to give it a try – you might surprise yourself.”

Managing Director at McGill’s Group, Alex Hornby, adds: “These events are about showcasing the opportunities and benefits of a career behind the wheel as we seek more bus drivers to join McGill’s Group.

“We believe the sector is missing out on a significant pool of talent by not doing enough to encourage women to consider bus driving and we want to play a large part in changing that.

“Bus driving was historically seen as a man’s job but it is simply not true at McGill’s. We already have a great pool of female colleagues at the company, including many drivers, and we want to retain and build on that.

“We also want to be able to reflect the diversity that exists within our customer base and communities.

“Many think that bus driving cannot be combined with other personal commitments, but I would encourage women to attend the recruitment open days and explore the flexibility we can offer as a company.

“Through our McGill’s Training Academy, we can also offer great options for training no matter what skillset you currently have. Our message is to come and speak to us and see if a career you had never considered is one worth exploring.”

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