Bus operators Stagecoach are doing their bit to get more women to get into engineering in Manchester and across the UK.
The travel service that provides buses around theGreater Manchester andCheshire area has launched a new campaign called, ‘Engineering Your Future’, the aim of which is to encourage more women to pursue a career in the field.
WhileStagecoach Manchester has around 130 skilled engineers who ensure their various fleets of vehicles are well-maintained and able to meet the demand for everyday travel, only 3.1% of their skilled engineer workforce are women.
Keeping that in mind, their goal is to address theunderrepresentation of women in both the engineering and transport sectors from 2023 onwards.
Spotlighting three of their talented engineers, Karen, Jess and Chelsea, each of them goes on to explain how they got into engineering, the transport industry as a whole and what the job involves.
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The campaign aims to help promote the opportunities available through Stagecoach’s engineering apprenticeship programme, hopefully, encouraging more women to apply.
Crucially, it’s worth noting that Stagecoach Manchester are just looking to hire people at entry level and leave them to it; many of their apprentices have gone on to be managers and even Engineering Directors after completing their studies and going into employment with the company.
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Janine Summers, Regional Director at Stagecoach and a driving force behind the campaign said: “At Stagecoach, we are committed to supporting and promoting women across the transport sector, so we would love to see more women starting their careers with us and coming through our ranks.”
“I’d urge any woman to explore her options and consider engineering as their career path. This is the beginning of something special at Stagecoach.”
This year, we’d love to see more women join our workforce at Stagecoach Manchester, particularly through our upcoming Apprenticeship programme which is set to launch next month.
Register your interest in an apprenticeship with Stagecoach Manchester here: https://t.co/7524SEuWRr
— Stagecoach Manchester & Wigan (@StagecoachGM) March 8, 2023
Moreover, the launch of the campaign is part of Stagecoach’s wider commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive working environment, aiming to attract, recruit and retain a diverse workforce.
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They have set themselves the target of achieving 40% of women in leadership roles and workforce in which 25% identify as an ethnic minority by 2026. Representation matters and we’re always happy to hear local business taking this seriously — it’s more than just words.
Stagecoach has employee-led diversity and inclusion networks, including those supporting women and in the last 12 months these networks have led the charge when it comes to developing new family-friendly policies such as miscarriage, maternity, paternity and adoption leave. You love to see it.
Operations Director Rebecca Rathore said: “Women have long been underrepresented in engineering, especially in the transport sector. Stagecoach Manchester is committed to changing that and helping women achieve their full potential.
“Working in public transport is enjoyable and rewarding and our depot teams are supportive and friendly places to work. It’s one big family.”
As for MD, Lee Wasnidge, he assured that: “Stagecoach recognises people of all genders and backgrounds. We know everyone plays a fundamental role in our success. We have a duty to create a diverse and inclusive team that reflects the communities we serve.”
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If you or someone you know is looking for a career change and might want to spearhead a new generation of engineers and women in the transport sector, you can visit Stagecoach Manchester’s careers page for more information and register your interest in an apprenticeship HERE.
The massively underrated rooftop terrace in Manchester with great views and top cocktails
Daisy Jackson
Manchester city centre is generally STARVED of outdoor space, but we’ve found the perfect sun-soaked oasis where you can enjoy a bit of fresh air and a whole lot of great food and drinks.
Tucked up on the sixth floor of the award-winning boutique hotel King Street Townhouse, you’ll find a rooftop terrace with beautiful views of the city’s skyline.
As Manchester buzzes along beneath you, you can tuck in to everything from full charcuterie grazing boards to seasonal snacks and small plates, all served alongside an impressive wine and cocktail list.
This often-overlooked local spot is a firm favourite of those in the know, thanks to its sheltered location that basks in the sun all afternoon.
And although it’s in a prime city centre location, just a stone’s throw from Deansgate, St Peter’s Square and Market Street, it’s a luxurious escape from it all – as is the entire boutique hotel it’s part of.
Whether it’s a post-work social, a relaxed date night, or a cheeky afternoon cocktail, the King Street Townhouse Terrace is open to the public and available for walk-ins or bookings when it isn’t privately hired.
On the menu you can expect locally-sourced dishes like Pollen sourdough served with whipped butter, a meat or cheese grazing board loaded with British produce, and larger plates like a beef and bone marrow burger or a fried fish roll topped with crisps.
British charcuterie grazing boardSpritzes on the King Street Townhouse terrace
Pairing perfectly with a spritz or a beer are snacks like deep-fried Gordal olives, stuffed with fennel sausage, and a brioche garlic bread packed with cream cheese.
The hotel has a cocktail list that celebrates classic drinks and a few of their own signature concoctions, and it doesn’t feel much more luxurious than when you treat yourself to a glass of sky-high champagne with views like this.
The South Terrace can also be hired privately for leisure or corporate events, with tailored catering options including summer BBQs.
And you can ramp up your trip to this oasis by staying overnight in one of the boutique hotels’ rooms, or visiting the King Street Townhouse ESPA spa for a treatment.
Find out more about the terrace at King Street Townhouse HERE.
The terrace at King Street Townhouse hotelThe terrace at King Street Townhouse hotelDeep-fried olivesGarlic bread with creamed cheeseKing Street Townhouse hotel
A massive Manchester United fan zone is being set up for the Europa League final – if they make it…
Danny Jones
With the second leg of the Europa League semis looming, in which Manchester United could make it through to the final, a massive fan zone is being tentatively set up.
In truth, they should make it to the conclusion of the UEFA competition – a decider that could see them qualify for the Champions League – given that they took a 3-0 lead back to Old Trafford following the impressive away fixture, but if Man United have proved anything of late, its that they’re unpredictable.
Touch wood, if they make it to the final, supporter park specialists 4 The Fans – the same team behind the huge sites at the likes of Manchester’s Secret City, Love Factory and the Progress Centre for Euro 2024 – are putting one of the biggest fan zones yet.
As always with football, nothing is quite guaranteed, and despite a health advantage that should see them over the line, we’ve seen this side do the unlikeliest of things with leads in recent times. Case and point, that franklyridiculous Lyon comeback.
A massive Man United fan zone is on the cards for this year’s Europa League final. (Credit: 4 The Fans)
Provided the Red Devils get the job done on their end, 4 The Fans are committed to putting on a huge fan zone over in Stretford, and with well over 50,000 fans attending their events over the last three years, it’s sure to be a mega atmosphere.
4 The Fans are giving us real Euro vibes with their upcoming plans.
Set to take over the Bowlers Exhibition Centre, a.k.a. the BEC Arena over in Stretford, the enormous events space will be transformed into one of their biggest fan zones to date, with the biggest screen in Manchester.
VIP seated tickets are also available, and parents are welcome to bring their kids along to the family-friendly event.
Once again, this all hinges on whether or not Man United make it past Athletic Club and book a return trip for the Europa League final, which also happens to be taking place in Bilbao.
However, one of the best bits about all of this is that, in addition to the strong chance of going through,tickets are already available, and supporters are guaranteed their money back if Ruben Amorim’s side manages to capitulate.
No harm, no foul.
Past scenes from international tournaments. (Credit: Supplied)
If the idea of being surrounded by fellow Reds for the game isn’t an attractive enough prospect on its own for you, United fans, the event is also set to be hosted by a club legend (still yet to be announced), with DJs and music, as well as special effects throughout.
Of course, there’ll be plenty of pints and scran to fuel the promoter’s famous fan energy on offer too, so you really will be sorted from start to finish.
Doors to the BEC open at 5:30pm, with last entry at 7:30pm ahead of the 8pm kick-off; tickets start from just £8. Until then, you can watch back the highlights from the previous match down below. You can grab yours HERE.
How are you feeling for the game – do you think they’re going all the way?