Stagecoach Manchester is inviting women to have a go a driving a bus as part of an initiative to encourage more women to look for employment within the transport industry.

The open day, which will give women the chance to sample, driving a bus within a controlled environment, takes place on Saturday 20 January at the company’s depot in Ashton-under-Lyne. Men interested in becoming a bus driver are also welcome to attend the open day.

The drive to encourage more women into the bus industry comes as a result of just over 6% of driver posts currently being held by females at Stagecoach Manchester.

Despite this, over 210 women enjoy employment at the leading local bus operator, with roles ranging from bus drivers to inspectors and engineering to operations, with the current managing director’s position held by Elisabeth Tasker.

Jo Morgan, bus driver at Stagecoach Manchester, said: “I’ve been at Stagecoach Manchester for over seven years now and loved every minute. The camaraderie amongst the staff is great and it’s always an enjoyable experience coming to work.

“I first looked into a career as a bus driver because I love meeting and speaking to people. Stagecoach is a really enjoyable place to work and I’d really recommend anyone who is interested to come down to the open day at Ashton.

Speaking about the Women in Transport initiative, Elisabeth Tasker, managing director of Stagecoach Manchester said: “We’ve recognised that women do not make up a high enough percentage of our workforce and it’s our job to raise awareness of the fact that there are no barriers preventing women from working within the bus industry.

“There’s a range of roles which can cater for specific skills within Stagecoach Manchester and there are always ways to sample different areas of employment within the company, that’s what first drew me to the company back in 2000 and I’ve loved every minute since.”

Anyone interested in attending the open day at Ashton Depot can register their interest at Manchester.enquiries@stagecoachbus.com. Or simply turn up on the day.  You will need to bring a valid driving licence with you on the day to be able to drive a bus. The day itself will take place at Stagecoach Manchester’s Ashton depot; Unit 5, Riverside Works, off Clarence Street, Ashton-under-Lyne, SK15 1QP between 10.30am and 2pm.

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