Yorkshire’s largest independent vehicle-hire firm is celebrating International Women in Engineering Day on June 23 with a pledge to actively work to increase its’ female workforce.
In contrast to the predominately male industry in which it operates, currently 25% of Arrow Self Drive’s personnel is female; several of which hold senior management positions and take a leading role in driving the company forward.
With eight depots across Yorkshire, the business employs a team of 80 local individuals and 50% of the depots themselves are managed and operated by female automotive industry professionals.
Having recently recruited its first female mechanic, Arrow Self Drive welcomed Katie Bushell to its growing team. Following completion of her apprenticeship in Motor Vehicle Maintenance at Kirklees College, Katie joined the team as a full-time mechanic.
Established in 1988, family-run business, Arrow Self Drive delivers safe, sustainable and affordable road transport to hundreds of customers across the region. Today the company boasts a fleet of almost 2,000 rental vehicles.
James Hill, Managing Director at Arrow Self Drive commented:
“The motor trade is an industry traditionally dominated by men, but at Arrow Self Drive, one Yorkshire’s leading contract hire companies, women employees are intrinsic to the company and its development.
“With our 30th year in business coming up in 2018; we’re keen to ensure we continue to operate as a fair and ethical company whose values are aligned with that of the Yorkshire region.
“We strive to be leaders within our field and with many females now entering into STEM careers it is important to us to do as much as we can to facilitate the growth and development of young professionals in the automotive industry.”
Commenting on her role at Arrow Self Drive, Katie Bushell said:
“I’m thrilled to have been given such a warm welcome by the fantastic team at Arrow Self Drive. I’ve already learnt so much and I’m excited to embark upon a long and fruitful career alongside some of the region’s talented professionals working in the automotive industry.
“I know for some people it’s unusual to see a woman working in my role but being a mechanic is all I ever wanted to do and I’m delighted to have been given this opportunity.”
