I joined National Express on the Graduate Management Trainee (Operations) scheme in October 2011, after studying Human Geography at the University of Leeds.
I decided to join National Express as there were a lot of modules within my University course relating to transport and the movement of people in and around cities. Within my degree I discovered that the most sustainable cities of the world had a similarly sustainable transport system, so a major coach provider ticked this box. The rotation system between departments on the graduate scheme also attracted me, as I feel to be successful in any workplace there needs to be an element of knowledge for all functional areas.
Together with two other graduate trainees I took part in a two week induction around departments in Head Office, followed by a week on the network using coach travel alone. I then spent six months in Birmingham Coach Station working all elements within the Customer Experience function, followed by eight months working at Start Hill for the Operations team.
At Start Hill I spent a lot of time focusing on accident investigation to determine the route cause of incidents. As a result, I led a project to create a Route Risk Assessment document and consulted with drivers as to how these incidents could be avoided. This was instrumental in reducing collisions and the document was rolled out across the company’s own coach operations and more recently the entire network, which is operated by National Express partners. I was fortunate to win an employee Values Award for my work on this project,
I was successful in gaining a permanent position at Start Hill depot as Driving Standards Manager in March 2013, and then a year later I was appointed to the roleof Coach Station Manager at Stansted Airport. This involves all elements of people and place management, supported by a great network I have picked up in my career with National Express. The close relation with the Operations team at Stansted has created a true team spirit between both sites which I'm very proud of.
I enjoy the fact National Express promotes a true element of responsibility for its employees, and when justifiable, supports their ideas. Everyone I've met is truly passionate about the company and its values. During my time relatively short time here I've seen vast strides towards making National Express even better, with its employee engagement agenda at the forefront of everything we do.I feel valued as a National Express employee and find myself promoting the work I do in every situation.