Stagecoach Manchester has launched a campaign to encourage more women to choose engineering as a career.
The Engineering Your Future campaign is aimed at addressing the gender imbalance in the engineering and transport sectors.
Stagecoach cites only 3.1% of its 130 skilled engineers across Greater Manchester are women.
The company hopes through its Engineering Your Future initiative to see more females start as apprentices and possibly move into management roles.
Janine Summers, Regional Director at Stagecoach, says: “At Stagecoach, we are committed to supporting and promoting women across the transport sector, so we would love to see more women starting their careers with us and coming through our ranks. As we emerge fully from the pandemic it’s an exciting time to join the transport industry and embark on a new career in engineering, the introduction of electric buses adding to the attraction. I’d urge any woman to explore her options and consider engineering as their career path. This is the beginning of something special at Stagecoach.”
Stagecoach has set itself the target of having 40% of its management roles filled by women and 25% of its workforce identifying as being from ethnic minorities by 2026.
Rebecca Rathore, Operations Director at Stagecoach Manchester, says: “Women have long been underrepresented in engineering, especially in the transport sector. Stagecoach Manchester is committed to changing that and helping women achieve their full potential.
“Working in public transport is enjoyable and rewarding and our depot teams are supportive and friendly places to work. It’s one big family.”
Last week’s International Women’s Day highlighted the lack of women in certain roles in the coach and bus industry and led to proposals of how to address the issue.
Lee Wasnidge, Managing Director at Stagecoach Manchester, adds: “Stagecoach recognises that people of all genders and backgrounds are fundamental to its success. We have a duty as a responsible employer to create a diverse and inclusive team that reflects the communities we serve.
“Gender diversity is a crucial business issue and this new campaign is a real chance for us to change the face of engineering in public transport.”
