This week is RHA’s National Coach Week – The UK coach sector employees around 45,000 people across approximately 700 coach operators, handling 400 million passenger journeys, contributing around £6bn to the UK economy each year.
To celebrate National Coach Week, this week, the Women in Bus and Coach “Spotlight On” initiative shines a light on the incredible contributions of women in all roles across the coach sector.
Today we focus on and find out about:
Paula Ballard
Senior Holiday Tours Assistant
Bakers Dolphin
How did you get to where you are today?
I started in the London Flyer reservations department and was fortunate to move up in to the reservations department. I then helped for many years in the Contracting department when I then moved back to reservations.
Did you experience any challenges getting to where you are today?
Many especially being a working mum and juggling childcare and schooling.
If so, how did you overcome then?
You just do and with the help of your workplace allowing you a little time here and there if possible helped.
What do you like about the sector?
I like the fact that there is always a varied working day and that we all work together as a team effort.
What does a typical day look like?
Extremely busy and always a variety within the working day.
What advice would you give to women thinking about a career in the bus and coach sector?
If you like a challenge and enjoy speaking to people then definitely a career for you.
What has been your coach Sector career highlight?
There have been several highlights over the years:
Having the pleasure of being with the directors when we won our first Industry Award. Also joining in with the team on our annual Re-Unions, meeting our regular and new customers.
Seeing customers off for their Christmas tours.
Where do you see yourself in 5 year’ time?
Hopefully still working for Bakers Dolphin, although nearing retirement.
Anything else you would like to share?
Having worked here for many years I have been fortunate to work in several departments which I enjoyed greatly. They all had different challenges and I hope I contributed where required.
Thank you for sharing your story Paula, you are truly an inspiration!
To find out more about who Paula works for, and career opportunities visit: Careers – Bakers Dolphin.
