First Bus encourages women across Scotland to join as recruitment events aim to #BreakTheBias

First Bus, Scotland’s largest bus operator, has launched a series of recruitment events targeted at increasing the number of women across its Scotland business as it aims to highlight the opportunities for females within the industry to progress and excel.

The operator has already implemented several changes to its recruitment process in the hope that it will encourage more people to consider a career within the bus industry. These include more part-time roles, as well as other flexible working patterns and shifts, so that people can achieve a better work-life balance.

First Bus is working hard to increase the number of women applying for roles across its business, from drivers to engineers and operations, through to support roles in administration, marketing and HR.

Currently less than 10% of drivers across Scotland are women and First Bus has found it difficult to overcome the challenges of long held perceptions and stereotypes of the transport industry which has been traditionally dominated by men.

Janette Bell, Managing Director for First Bus UK, took up her position as the first female Managing Director of First Bus in December 2020 and is overseeing a transformational change programme across the business.

She said: “Traditionally, the transport industry has been dominated by men, but I am happy to say that's changing, thanks in part to the work we are doing to address the gender imbalance within our own company.

“I'm proud of the work we're doing and proud of the women who work alongside me in all areas of the business. We recognise that there is still more to do, and this is a challenge that we are not afraid to address. I look forward to the day when we no longer refer to female leaders, female engineers, and female bus drivers but simply leaders, engineers, and bus drivers.”

Recruitment events are being held at First Bus depots across Scotland as the operator continues its attempts to overcome the industry wide driver shortage that is currently being experienced.

First Bus invited anyone interested in becoming a bus driver along to special International Women’s Day recruitment events at its Livingston and Aberdeen depots to ask any questions they may have, speak to current female bus drivers working at First Bus about their experiences and the opportunities it brings, as well as being given the chance to try driving a bus around a small circuit within the depot.

Angela Constance, MSP for Almond Valley, attended a recruitment event at First Bus’ Livingston depot and said: “International Women’s Day marks the progress that has been made but also focuses on the journey we have yet to travel to achieve full equality for women. I am therefore delighted to support First Bus and their efforts to recruit more women into their workforce and encourage more women into the sector.”

To find out more about the opportunities available at First Bus depots across Scotland and how to apply, please visit firstbus.co.uk/recruitment

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