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.
ADVERTISEMENT
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.
ADVERTISEMENT
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.
ADVERTISEMENT
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.”
ADVERTISEMENT
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.
Smirnoff teams up with Co-op Live for new Summer Series
Danny Jones
Smirnoff, the world’s number-one vodka brand not to mention a leading force in wider music culture, has officially partnered with Co-op Live to mark the opening of the new state-of-the-art venue and its debut calendar.
The partnership will see the new ‘Co-op Live Summer Series presented by Smirnoff‘ run until 13 September 2024. As part of the collaboration, the vodka brand will surprise and delight guests visiting the venue with great-tasting drinks and the ultimate night out, with VIP packages and more.
Co-op Live has curated a stacked lineup of popular bands, singers and entertainers, including some of the biggest names in music, who are set to perform at Europe’s largest indoor entertainment venue.
Starting the Summer Series off with a bang presented by Smirnoff celebrations, the brand is offering friends a chance to win tickets to see their favourite stars perform live, hosted by celebrities including TV favourite Callum Jones, as well as social media and makeup virtuoso Mitchell Halliday.
Alongside their hosts, winners will enjoy access to the exclusive Decibel Club and enjoy the concert from a private suite hosted by Smirnoff, fully immersing themselves in the ultimate venue experience. Competition details (18+ only) can be found on Smirnoff’s Instagram page.
Attendees at the 23,500 capacity Co-op Live arena will have the opportunity to choose from a range of Smirnoff favourites, including Smirnoff Raspberry Crush, Smirnoff Mango and Passionfruit Twist, Smirnoff No.21 and more.
These drinks will be available to guests over 18 at bars and grab-and-go stations throughout the venue, including the Smirnoff Founders Bar. Guests can also try the newest addition to the range, Smirnoff Spicy Tamarind, at the bar located on the concourse – fingers crossed there’ll be plenty of sun too.
There is a unique must-try experience for all gig attendees: a 360-photo booth on Level 3, where guests can use fun props to snap the best and most high-end selfies they’ve ever taken, and have a chance to get their tickets upgraded that evening.
Operated by holding group Diaego, the aim of Smirnoff’s Co-op Live Summer Series is to reflect the vodka brand’s ongoing commitment to making music more accessible to everyone.
Smirnoff recently rolled out its ‘WE DO US’ campaign, activated through a series of initiatives that aim to reignite social connections and lower barriers to socialising.
Tyler Monk, Smirnoff Brand Manager at Diageo Great Britain, said: “Smirnoff is on a mission to make music more accessible and create unforgettable experiences that bring people together through live music. We’re proud to partner with Co-op Live and be part of Manchester’s vibrant music scene, offering great-tasting Smirnoff drinks, music, and unique experiences to a wider audience.”
Check the website for the full schedule of events at Co-op Live HERE.
Featured Images — Smirnoff (supplied)/The Manc Group
Sponsored
Printworks adds running track, Sir Mo Farah waxwork and more for Summer of Sport
Daisy Jackson
Manchester’s legendary entertainment complex, Printworks, has unveiled a packed programme of events to celebrate a Summer of Sport.
The popular city centre destination, which recently completed a staggering transformation including installing the biggest digital ceiling in Europe, has created a series of events celebrating the return of the Olympics.
Sir Mo Farah’s lifelike wax figure will be on display from Madame Tussauds in Blackpool, inviting visitors to do the Mobot and snap a selfie with the sporting great.
You’ll also be able to watch the Olympics opening ceremony live at Printworks, underneath that incredible ceiling and from the terraces of Tank & Paddle and Chiquito.
You can even play multi-player games on the big screen inside, hosted by a BBC Radio Manchester presenter.
It all kicks off this week with the Opening Ceremony Party on Friday, with free candy floss and Team GB face painting for the first 250 visitors.
Any children with Team GB face paint on will be able to get a free hot fudge sundae from Hard Rock Cafe with the purchase of a kids’ meal.
Other free events will include weekly gaming sessions, a basketball tournament, a kids’ archery class, and appearances from famous faces.
Printworks will even have a running track lined up all summer.
The digital ceiling will join in on the sporting action, dazzling visitors with animations of synchronised swimmers, athletes, cyclists and divers.
Throughout August, BBC Radio Manchester’s Remmel Dawodu will return to host free weekly interactive gaming sessions on the 1, 8 and 15 August.
You’ll also be able to witness an artist live at work, as they create a mural of an iconic sports person on 1 August.
Slam Dunk-a-Basketball will take place on the 8 August, with archery on 15 August.
The Printworks Opening Ceremony Party will take place between 3.30pm and 6pm on Friday 26 July.
Kristian Brennan, Marketing Manager at Printworks, said: “We are thrilled to offer a vibrant and engaging summer of sports for families at Printworks. Our diverse line-up of free events is designed to bring people together, celebrate athleticism and create unforgettable memories over the summer holidays.”
For more information on a Summer of Sport at Printworks, head here.