McGill’s Group, the UK’s largest independent bus operator, is to hold three recruitment open days as they aim to get more women to consider a career as a bus driver.
The ‘Women at the Wheel’ events will be held at McGill’s Group’s depots at Johnstone, Larbert and Dundee on February 10th, 17th and 24th respectively.
The recruitment open days are part of McGill’s drive to get more women involved in what has traditionally been a male-dominated profession and sector.
McGill’s said there has been a historical and inaccurate perception that women were not suited for a bus driving role or that working in the sector could not be combined with other personal or life commitments such as childcare.
Natasha Barr, a driver with McGill’s, said she would encourage other women to think about a career behind the wheel.
Natasha said: “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, said the company wanted to play a part in tackling that stereotype on behalf of the sector and encourage more women to think about driving as a career.
Alex said: “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.”
McGill’s Group’s ‘Women at the Wheel’ events will be held at:
- Saturday 10 February 10am until 2pm – Johnstone depot, Cochranemill Rd, Johnstone PA5 8PY
- Saturday 17 February 10am until 2pm – Larbert depot, 300 Stirling Rd, Camelon, Larbert FK5 3NJ
- Saturday 24 February 10am until 2pm – Dundee depot, 44-48 E Dock St, Dundee DD1 3JS
McGill’s Group is owned by leading Scottish businessmen Sandy and James Easdale.
