To mark International Women in Engineering Day Oxford Bus Company apprentice Mercedes Goodhall has encouraged more females to follow her path.
She bucked a national trend by signing up to become an engineering apprentice with Oxford Bus Company last year, working in a male dominated industry.
And to celebrate this year’s awareness day, Mercedes took part in a webinar exploring why the Bus and Coach Industry is the Best Destination for Aspiring Women Engineers.
Mercedes told the debate hosted by the Women in Bus and Coach Group that she would “highly recommend” the sector to females.
She earlier said: “I love engineering, it’s so interesting and I’m learning so much on the apprenticeship.
“Many people assume it must be challenging to be a female engineer in a predominantly male environment, but I have had an incredibly positive experience at Oxford Bus Company.”
Go-Ahead Group and its operating companies, including Oxford Bus Company, work to encourage more women to join the industry, offering various opportunities to kick-start a career.
Mercedes grabbed the opportunity to join a three-year apprenticeship at the company’s Cowley House depot after she completed her studies at City of Oxford College.
“It’s been such a welcoming, friendly and encouraging environment,” said the Mercedes, of Greater Leys, Oxford.
“I don’t feel as though there are barriers to what I can achieve here as a female engineer. I’m glad to be on my current apprenticeship and career-wise, I hope to stay on at Oxford Bus Company in a full-time role.
“I would highly recommend Oxford Bus Company and the bus industry to other young women who are interested in engineering, it’s a great working environment where you are judged on your merits.”
Luke Marion, Managing Director at Oxford Bus Company, said: “International Women in Engineering Day is important in helping raise awareness of the fantastic opportunities available in the profession in the bus and coach sector.
“Mercedes’s story is an excellent example of the way in which we help people develop and build rewarding careers and highlights the progressive approach we take to create an inclusive and diverse workplace and culture.
“Engineering is highly skilled and offers varied career opportunities, already Mercedes has been training across both our hybrid vehicles and new electric fleet and it’s great to see her continue to flourish.”
Oxford Bus Company is part of the Oxford Bus Group, which also comprises Thames Travel, Pulhams Coaches and Carousel Buses. It is owned by Go-Ahead Group.
