Introducing more women to engineering roles in coach and bus is the purpose of a newly formed partnership between the Society of Operations Engineers (SOE), the Bus Centre of Excellence (BCoE), and the Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT).
That work will start with collaboration on this year’s IRTE coach and bus Skills Challenge. The three parties aim to take down barriers to women pursuing engineering careers, noting that the coach and bus industry “is still a largely a male-dominated field” in that regard.
Elevation of the Skills Challenge’s visibility through the organisations’ various networks will enable it to attract more women participants, they believe. By leveraging their individual expertise, the three organisations will:
- BCoE: Offer a hub for knowledge and best practice in bus operation and provide insight into specific engineering roles and challenges within the sector
- CPT: Represent the interests of coach and bus operators and ensure that the initiative aligns with industry needs and fosters real world impact
- SOE: Extend its mentorship and career development programmes for aspiring women engineers.
SOE Head of Business Operations Emma Thompson says the Society is pleased to work with BCoE and CPT in what she terms “a transformative initiative.”
Adds Ms Thompson: “By working together, we can break down barriers and open doors for talented women who are eager to contribute their skills and ideas to future of engineering.”
Collectively, the three bodies believe that the collaboration and a shared commitment to inclusivity and the provision of resources “can pave the way for a brighter future where women are active participants and leaders in shaping the coach and bus industry,” they say in a joint statement.
The Skills Challenge is in its 12th year in 2024. It will be held between 3-7 June at the S&B Automotive Academy in Bristol. Entries will be accepted until 15 May. This year’s contest will aim to showcase the breadth of engineering roles and inspire more women engineers, with a long-term goal of promoting diverse opportunities in coach and bus.
Women have performed well in previous editions of the Skills Challenge. Among them is previous winner and fourth year Arriva mechelec apprentice Hollie Smith, who has urged her peers from the industry to enter.
“Just do it,” says Ms Smith. “This is still quite a male dominated industry, but when I first started my apprenticeship three years ago, I didn’t see women anywhere.
“Over my course, I have seen more women coming into this industry and the company. I think ‘all right, we are branching out, this is good’. I want more girls to complete, because [female winners] are inspiring not just to women, but to everyone.”
Both BCoE and CPT have welcomed the initiative. BCoE Interim Head Sharon Kindleysides observes that a diverse workforce “is essential for innovation and progress.” She says: “By supporting women in engineering, we can ensure that the bus industry continues to thrive and meet the evolving needs of our communities.”
CPT Chief Executive Graham Vidler adds: “We are proud to participate in this collaborative effort to champion women in engineering. This initiative aligns perfectly with our vision of building a more diverse and inclusive industry that reflects the people we serve.”
More on the IRTE Skills Challenge, and to enter, here.
