The Women in Bus and Coach “Spotlight On” initiative shines a light on the incredible contributions of women in all roles across the bus, coach, and community transport sector. From professional drivers and engineers to human resources experts and CEO’s, ‘Spotlight On’ will highlight the diverse talents and achievements of women in this dynamic industry.
Today we focus on and find out about:
Gemma Crockford
Safety Trainer/Driver Trainer, Relief CPC Trainer
Transport UK London Bus
How did you get to where you are today?
I started my career in the London Bus Industry back in the early/mid 1990’s as a conductress and eventually progressed to driver and have performed many roles in the industry including at one time Acting Depot Manager and Training Manager (including ‘designing’ a training package for one company). I have driven buses and coaches in other places in the UK as well including Cornwall, Oxfordshire, and South Yorkshire & even up as far as Scotland.
Eventually I returned to London in 2017 and began driving for Abellio London Bus (now Transport UK Group). I have worked my way up through the roles of, Conductress, Driver, Driving Support Supervisor, Hello London Facilitator, Driver Trainer and now Safety Trainer. It has been a long career of almost 32 years and 17.5 of those years have been as an Instructor/Trainer.
Did you experience any challenges getting to where you are today?
Yes – My self-confidence initially was extremely poor, and I had to work on it a lot to have the confidence to stand up in front of a classroom full of 30 people and conduct a training class to a high standard.
If so, how did you overcome them?
I had to take a step back from myself and believe that I could achieve my goal.
What do you like about the sector?
The industry is very diverse with different cultures and people which is something I love to learn about. The job is varied and there are many opportunities for development and promotion if you are prepared to put in the effort. You get to help people and watch them progress into professional drivers. The best thing in the world is seeing a trainee driver walk in after their PCV driving test with a pass certificate in their hand!
The Managers and Supervisors are also there to assist staff if we need it and the industry as a whole is an important part of London’s Infrastructure.
What does a typical day look like?
Arrive early at the required Depot and get all the presentations ready for the candidates on my courses. Classroom sessions last about 2 hours and then after a quick break for the candidates and time for myself to organise a bus to use we then go out on the road and do some driving. The role is a support role for the drivers so first I watch how they drive normally and then we stop and discuss any improvements required. Then we drive some more, putting into practice the suggested improvements.
Back at the depot after driving we go over any concerns highlighted and emphasise the necessity for safety on the road and behind the wheel for the Professional Driver. Finally, the candidates leave and then it is time for me to do my administration and filing. That’s just the Safety Training part! It would take too long to list everything I can do in this industry!
What advice would you give to women thinking about a career in the bus and coach sector?
Very simple – Do It! It’s a rewarding and flexible career.
What has been your bus or coach sector career highlight?
Having the late actor Steven Lewis and actor Anna Karen riding on my bus (an old Routemaster Long Body) as part of the On The Buses Fan Club Day in Borehamwood. Steven played Inspector Blake and Anna played Olive in the Television Series.
Also, the day I passed my PCV Instructors course in 2006.
What three things could the Bus and Coach sector do to improvement the industry for Women?
- Better toilet facilities
- More sympathetic shifts for women with children
- Have a better balance of gender in the industry
Where do you see yourself in 5 years’ time?
Hopefully still doing the job I love which is training people
Anything else you would like to share?
Every Journey Matters!!!
Thank you for sharing your story Gemma you are truly an inspiration!
To find out more about who Gemma works for, and career opportunities visit: Transport UK Bus | Transport UK Bus
Transport UK London Bus are founder corporate members of Women in Bus and Coach.
