This International Women’s Day (8 March), Stagecoach South Wales is celebrating the women whose dedication, leadership and expertise help keep communities moving every day.
Women play a vital role across the organisation in a wide range of positions, from bus drivers and driver trainers to engineering support and marketing and customer experience. Stagecoach South Wales is pleased that the number of women working across the business is improving and sits above the industry average, reflecting its commitment to creating opportunities and encouraging more women to pursue careers within the bus and transport sector.
Among those being recognised this year are three colleagues whose contributions make a real difference to the organisation and the people they work with.
Eleanor Weller – Depot Driving Instructor
Eleanor Weller took on one of the biggest challenges of her career last summer when she moved on a temporary secondment from South Wales to support driver training in London to share her expertise when there was a shortage of qualified staff that possessed her skills and knowledge.
Making the temporary move from South Wales, Eleanor relocated on her own – the biggest move she had ever made, and one made even more significant after recently overcoming a serious illness. She was also the only female instructor to volunteer to take on the role, supported by a manager who encouraged her to take the leap.
Eleanor thrived in the role and continued her excellent record of helping new drivers pass their tests with her confident, upbeat and approachable nature, her personable approach and her drive to make people feel comfortable
"It’s been so rewarding. I was worried that people might not feel comfortable being trained by a woman in a different area, but everyone was fantastic and I loved every minute of it. I’m so proud that I was asked to go and help and use my experience, and proud of myself for taking the chance."
Looking back, Eleanor says the moment that she was supported to take on a new role within Stagecoach remains one of the proudest of her career.
"On my first day I honestly felt like a child starting a new school – excited but nervous. But I’m incredibly proud of how far I’ve come and how welcoming and supportive everyone was towards me. "
For Eleanor, the most rewarding part of her role is helping people start a new chapter in their lives.
"I love meeting people from all walks of life. Sometimes the smile and welcome you give someone might be the only positive interaction they have that day, so I always try to be bubbly, friendly and patient. And there’s nothing better than seeing someone pass their test – it’s such a brilliant feeling."
Being recognised as part of Stagecoach South Wales's International Women’s Day celebrations is something Eleanor says means a great deal to her.
"I’m amazed and absolutely delighted. I’ve overcome a lot in the past year and I’ve been supported every step of the way. This is my job and my company for life."
She also hopes her story will encourage more women to consider joining the bus industry.
"Go for it! Taking the leap was the best thing I ever did. I also think having female instructors helps more women feel comfortable coming into the industry – and that can only be a good thing."
Alison Samuel – Head Office Engineering Team
Alison Samuel plays a key role in supporting engineering teams across South Wales through her work in Head Office Engineering Administration. Her role often takes her between depots, assisting colleagues with parts requests and helping ensure teams have everything they need to keep buses running safely and reliably.
Known as a “super-user” of the stores, that is someone known within the company as being the top skilled in their field within in the Engineering Support Team, Alison has an exceptional knowledge of where parts are located, when and how they are needed and enjoys the variety and challenge that comes with supporting different teams.
Alison said:
"No two days are ever the same in this job, which is something I really enjoy. I’m often moving between depots helping with parts requests and supporting the teams, I like the challenge and variety of it."
One of her proudest achievements has been helping bring colleagues together across the organisation.
"I’m really proud of bringing all the teams together across the various depots. Even little things, like supporting those WhatsApp chats to help inter-depot working or helping organise Christmas parties, helping with the communication across the company has helped to make a difference. There’s much better communication now and it’s great to see everyone connecting more."
On being recognised as part of the company’s International Women’s Day celebrations, Alison added:
"It feels fantastic to be recognised and it makes me really proud to work for a company that values its staff."
Encouraging more women to consider the sector, she said:
"It’s definitely worth considering. People might not realise it, but it’s not all big burly men with oily hands! It’s really interesting work and there are lots of different roles. Women bring a different perspective and it’s great to have different opinions and voices in the business."
Poppy Halley – Marketing Assistant (Former Driver and Relief Duty Manager)
Poppy Halley first joined Stagecoach in 2016 when she was just 20 years old, determined to prove that young women could succeed in what is sometimes perceived as a male-dominated industry.
"I joined Stagecoach because I wanted to prove to myself and to other women that a young female could join and be part of what’s sometimes perceived as a ‘man’s industry’," she said.
Starting her career as a driver at the Aberdare depot, Poppy quickly found a supportive environment.
"I was the youngest female in the Aberdare depot at the time, but despite this I was welcomed with open arms and always felt like part of the Stagecoach family. The other drivers were always willing to help if I needed it."
Since then, she has progressed through several roles within the business.
"I started as a driver, then progressed to a Relief Duty Manager and I’ve been on secondment to the Marketing department as a Customer Experience before moving to the role of Marketing Assistant for South Wales. Being able to progress and develop my skills and learn how Stagecoach operates behind the scenes has been fantastic."
Over the years, Poppy has also seen more women joining the industry.
"When I first started there were very few women in the depot, but over the years I’ve seen many more women joining Stagecoach in a wide range of roles including drivers, Duty Managers, General Service Operators and even apprentice mechanics."
"Stagecoach is very inclusive and welcoming more women into the business, it’s an ‘everyone industry’, and I look forward to meeting and working with more women in the future."
Encouraging the Next Generation
Martin Gibbon, Managing Director of Stagecoach South Wales, said:
"International Women’s Day is a great opportunity to recognise the incredible contribution women make across our business. Eleanor, Alison and Poppy are fantastic examples of the talent, professionalism and dedication we see across our depots and offices every day."
"While the bus industry has traditionally been male dominated, we’re proud that the number of women working across Stagecoach South Wales is increasing steadily. However, it’s still too low and we’re always keen to see more women joining the sector and with role models like Eleanor, Alison and Poppy, we hope that it inspires more women to join. There are so many rewarding roles available, and we want to continue encouraging more and more women to get involved in the bus industry and build long and successful careers with us."