GREATER Manchester has a bus driver shortage, which will not surprise anyone who is a frequent passenger.
As a result, Go North West are on a huge recruitment drive and are particularly interested in encouraging women to get behind the wheel all of which has led to me being here today, sitting in the driver's seat of a bus, ready to lurch my way into a brand new career for the morning.
Fewer than one in ten of Go North West's drivers are currently women - something managing director Nigel Featham tells me they are keen to change. He says shift work and perceptions around manoeuvring a large such vehicle are common barriers for women, but that bus driving is a career for anyone.
I stare at the colossal vehicle in front of me and wonder whether any learner has managed to destroy a bus before.
For someone who found learning to drive as stressful as me (think tears at roundabouts and a tendency to slow down to a sedate crawl when worried), the thought of manoeuvring a bus is alarming. Don't get me wrong, I can drive well enough now - but speeding around Greater Manchester in my little red hatchback seems somewhat more realistic than trundling along in an 11-tonne bus.
この記事は MEN on Sunday の February 19, 2023 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です ? サインイン
この記事は MEN on Sunday の February 19, 2023 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です? サインイン
Bethell relishing Old Trafford T20 decider
JACOB Bethell was pleased to get down to business for England after admitting he struggled to shut out the external noise during a low-key international debut.
Is this turning point that boss so badly needs?
Victory buys Ten Hag breathing space, but now United must capitalise on it
Food for thought for the Insta diners
Why we need to disconnect from our phones for the best eating out experience
'It would normally be packed but now! it's a GHOST TOWN'
Traders warn they won't survive the loss of spaces after water company closed car park
Man used trafficked woman to make more than £100k
A MAN profited from the exploitation of a vulnerable woman to the tune of more than £100,000.
'You imagine there would be a lot of barking but it was silent?
The devastating Manchester Dogs Home fire ten years on
Couple's home hit by car for THIRD time
Pair forced to evacuate property
Shopkeeper faces £20k costs to undo changes he made
Business owner was refused permission for work already done
Disorder'more anti-government than racism'
Barrister makes claim as thug who attacked bus during trouble outside hotel housing asylum seekers jailed
'There's no characters left'
Traders and customers' sadness as shutters come down on market for final time