WOMEN are being urged to consider a new career on the buses

The region’s largest operator, Go North East, needs 300 new drivers. Currently only eight per cent of its 1,600 drivers are women

Its new approach to recruitment emphasises customer service flair above professional driving experience as training is given.

An open day at the Metro Centre Coach Park, Gateshead, on Sunday (March 22) from 9am to 2pm, will give interested men and women the chance to get behind the wheel.

Managing Director Kevin Carr said: “Women are significantly under-represented in our workforce so we are really keen to get more women drivers on board.”

Graduate Rachel Langford, 30, from Lanchester, County Durham, has driven buses for four years after tiring of her desk job.

She said: “I saw that Go North East was recruiting drivers for its Consett depot and I thought ‘I could do that’ but people were saying to me ‘are you sure you want to do that?’

“But when you see the size of me, you’d know why they were saying that – I’m only five foot, three, and really petite.

“But because people were telling me I couldn’t do it, it made me determined to prove I could.

“I enjoy being out and about and meeting people. Every day’s different and I love that. “Women may be concerned about working in a male dominated environment but I have made some of my best friends at work and all my colleagues have been very welcoming and helpful.”

She is working part time to fit around caring for her two-year-old daughter.

Lisa Ellerington, 45, from Hebburn, worked in offices and as a sports teacher before bus driving. She said: “I’ve never looked back. It was the positive change I was looking for.” Visit www.simplygo.com/employment for more details.