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:
Chloe Scully
Administrative Assistant
Prospect Coaches
Tell us a little bit about your career journey
I started my career journey unsure of what I wanted to do, but eventually found my way into business administration through an apprenticeship at Prospect Coaches. As a young female in a male-dominated industry, I was faced with unique challenges, especially during my early months when I was the only young woman in the workplace. It was tough to adjust at first, but over time, I found my place and grew both personally and professionally. I completed my apprenticeship with a distinction and secured a permanent role. Now, almost three years in, I’m proud to be a female voice in an industry that’s slowly becoming more inclusive. The more I’ve worked here, the more I’ve come to appreciate how important it is for women to be present and involved in shaping the work culture.
How did you get to where you are today?
My journey to where I am today has been a process of self-discovery, especially as a young woman entering a male-dominated sector. I initially explored a few different industries, but the competitiveness I encountered, particularly among women in other fields, made me realise that I wanted a more supportive and collaborative work environment. Transitioning into business administration through an apprenticeship at Prospect Coaches allowed me to find just that – a place where I could be valued and supported, not just for me gender, but for my abilities. As a woman in the industry, I’ve seen how small changes can make a big difference, and I’m proud to be part of that progress. I’ve also had the chance to mentor others, and it’s been rewarding to help guide new female apprentices, showing them that they can thrive in this field too.
Did you experience any challenges getting to where you are today?
As a young female entering a male-dominated industry, I faced several personal challenges along the way. I struggled with anxiety and mental health issues, which were sometimes heightened during my menstrual period. The lack of basic period products in the workplace was a particular challenge – there were no sanitary bins, and no products in the cupboard to help if I was caught short. This made me realise how important it is for workplaces to consider and address the needs of women. Beyond that, I struggled with the isolation of being the only young woman in the workplace and constantly second-guessing my abilities. There were moments where I felt like I didn’t belong and couldn’t talk to anybody about how I was feeling mentally.
If so, how did you overcome then?
I allowed myself to feel the negative emotions instead of pushing them aside, being gentler with myself. Over time, I learned that making mistakes is okay as long as I take responsibility and don’t let them escalate. When we introduced sanitary bins and period products into the workplace, I saw it as a small but important step in making the environment more inclusive for future female staff and visitors. It wasn’t just about solving a practical issue; it was about making a conscious effort to create a more considerate, supportive atmosphere for women. These simple changes helped future female staff and visitors feel more comfortable, knowing their needs were taken seriously and supported. When my line manager Claire started five months into my role, having someone closer in age to talk to about my struggles made a huge difference. Without Claire’s guidance, I don’t think I would have had the confidence to suggest and together make those changes. I’m beyond grateful for her unwavering support through every challenge, and I honestly wouldn’t be where I am today without her belief in me.
What do you like about the sector? What inspired you to get involved?
Before I started working here, a family member kept telling me I would enjoy working in office, but I didn’t think much of it at first. Eventually, I decided to give it a go, thinking it might not be so bad. As a woman in the bus and coach industry, it’s been really inspiring to see things changing little by little. The work environment is welcoming and upbeat, and being a woman here has given me the chance to contribute to making things more inclusive and address the needs of female staff. I love being part of a team with diverse people, and I enjoy challenging the old idea that women don’t belong in this traditionally male-dominated field. The work itself is rewarding, and it feels great to know that by doing my part, I’m helping create more opportunities for women to join the sector.
What did a typical day look like?
My typical day starts with logging onto my computer and getting straight into work. I take pride in managing invoices, handling customer emails, and booking jobs with confidence. Once a week, I call customers to confirm their timings and ensure everything is on track for their bookings. I make it a point to stay organised, as I know the importance of setting an example for others in the workplace. During my lunch break, I like to take a quick walk around the depot to get some fresh air. I also make sure to stay hydrated and stretch regularly throughout the day, as maintaining my physical well-being is essential, especially in a fast-paced environment. I often chat with the drivers when I see them around the yard – it’s important to build good relationships wand break any barriers that may exist in a traditionally male-dominated field. At the end of the day, I make sure all emails are either responded to or dealt with, as I don’t like leaving the office with unread emails. Before I leave, I also clean my desk to start fresh the next day, showing that I take pride in my work, both for myself and as a female role model in the industry.
What advice would you give to women thinking about a career in the bus and coach sector?
I would say go for it. The bus and coach industry has a reputation for being male-dominated, with many people assuming that roles like bus or coach drivers are typically filled by men. Growing up, I always saw men in these positions, so I never considered at a woman could thrive in this space. But breaking those assumptions has been incredibly rewarding, and it’s shown me that women can succeed in the sector and make a real impact. By pursuing a career in the bus and coach sector, you’ll not only challenge outdated stereotypes but also help reshape what success looks like, inspiring more women to see themselves in these roles and contributing to a shift in the industry.
What has been your bus or coach sector career highlight?
I can’t name just one highlight, but it’s incredibly rewarding when customers – both new and returning – leave positive feedback and know me by name, asking to speak to me specifically on the phone. It’s especially meaningful when I receive recommendations from customers to other schools or companies because of the positive experience they’ve had throughout the entire process. From the initial quotation and booking to staying in contact and ensuring all details are correct leading up to the trip, and finally the invoicing and payment process, it’s fulfilling to know I’ve contributed to making the experience smooth and memorable for them. As a woman working in this sector, moments like these show that my contributions are valued and that I am making a positive impact. Seeing the difference I can make not only for the customers but for the customers but for the company as well gives me a great sense of achievement, and all these moments make all the hard work feel truly worthwhile.
What three things could the Bus, Coach and Community Transport sector do to improvement the industry for Women?
To improve the industry for women, the bus and coach sector could start by making job advertisements more inclusive, stating clearly that both men and women are encouraged to apply. In particular, highlighting women’s representation in various roles could challenge stereotypes about women’s place in this industry. Secondly, having more female roles in leadership positions is crucial to show that women can thrive in all aspects of the industry, not just as passengers or admin staff. This would help break down barriers and encourage other women to see leadership as an achievable goal. Lastly, addressing the basic needs of female employees, such as providing sanitary bins and period products, would go a long way in making the sector more supportive and considerate of women. These changes would foster a more inclusive and positive environment for women to succeed and grow in the industry.
What changes have you seen since in the sector since you joined?
Since I joined, I’ve noticed some really positive changes, especially in my own workplace. There are now more female drivers, and other young women have joined the team, which is great to see. When I first started, there wasn’t anyone around my age to look up to, which made things harder. But now, with more women on the team, there’s a sense of solidarity, and I think it helps other women feel like they can also take on roles that used to be seen as only for men. The wider sector is also starting to realise how important diversity is, and that’s opening up more opportunities for women. It’s so nice to see the industry becoming more inclusive and aware of how Important it is to support women in the workplace.
Anything else you would like to share?
I think it’s important to remember that, like many industries, the bus and coach sector has its challenges, but it also offers plenty of opportunities for women to grow and succeed. Things have definitely improved in terms of inclusion, but there’s still progress to be made. I’ve learned so much during my time here, and I hope that by sharing my story, I can encourage more women to consider a career in this industry. No matter your background or experience, there’s always a place for you, and the sector is becoming more supportive of women. I’m excited to see more women joining this space and to keep being a part of that change.
Thank you for sharing Chloe — your journey is a real source of inspiration!
To find out more about who Chloe works for, and career opportunities visit: https://www.prospectcoaches.co.uk/
