Women on board with Translink

Translink is opening doors for women – to experience what life behind the bus wheel could be like – during its ‘Women’s Have a Go’ driving event this week.

The event has been designed to give women the chance to try out their bus driving skills in a safe off-road environment in a bid to encourage more women to become bus drivers.

“We have been delighted with the excellent response for the three day event,” said Alan McCully Translink’s Personnel Manager.

He added: “Women don’t often consider bus driving as a career, so that’s a myth we’re hoping to dispel. Quite simply, gender is irrelevant we need customer-focused people, capable of maintaining the company’s high standards.”

Over 100 women from across Northern Ireland are expected to drive Translink vehicles and find out more about the employment opportunities with the company.

Joan Harbison, Chief Commissioner of the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland will be one of those 'having a go' behind the wheel.

"It is good to see Translink taking such an imaginative step to highlight driving opportunities for women." Mrs. Harbison said.

"Too many people are still surprised to see a woman driving a bus, and these out-of-date assumptions about what is 'men's work' or 'women's work' are a barrier to achieving genuine equality for women and men in all occupations. It makes sound business sense too, for employers to be able to choose from the best and most talented personnel available.”

Gwynn Wilson, Translink’s Flexibus Controller was also on hand to give an insight on what to expect from a career with Translink.

“Translink is a progressive company which encourages all employees to develop their career to their full potential. I myself spent five years as a Citybus driver before making the most of the opportunities which were offered to me," said Gwynn.

Anyone interested in a career with Translink can contact the human resources department on 028 90899 400.

(GMcG)