A mum-of-two from Alvaston has seen her life transformed after answering an advert that’s led to a rewarding career with trent barton.

After years as a stay-at-home mum, Miranda Anderson says that her confidence had hit rock bottom before she took part in a ground-breaking scheme to find new bus drivers.

Miranda is pictured here with Gillian Merron, Chair of Bus Users UK, and Mr MANGO

Now our new driver is brimming with confidence and recently stood up in front of business leaders to explain how the pioneering ‘Step on the Bus’ programme has turned her life around.

The event in London was organised by People1st, the sector skills council for hospitality, passenger transport, travel and tourism, and Miranda was invited to speak as she embodies the principles behind the programme.

“As my two children grew up, I was trapped in a monotonous daily routine and felt increasingly vulnerable,” she explained.

“I really wanted to turn things around but didn’t really know what to do until I heard about Step on the Bus.”

The 36-year-old’s transformation began when she responded to an advertisement for the programme, which aims to help women achieve their career aspirations in the bus industry. Led by People1st, it includes four weeks of industry specific training and personal development to boost confidence and interview skills.

After completing the programme Miranda secured a job with us, where she had worked on a placement as part of the scheme. She then spent several months training with us and in February set out into the streets of Derby for her first unaccompanied shift as a qualified bus driver on the spondon flyer.

“It’s been absolutely amazing,” Miranda continued. “Over the past six months I’ve made new friends, learnt new skills and even convinced my 17-year-old, who has just started driving lessons, that his mum’s a genius behind the wheel.”

Guy Gibson, Head of Training, praised Miranda’s efforts and said that the Step on the Bus programme gives women like her an insight into the passenger transport industry. This insight enables them to make an informed decision on whether they want to work in the sector.

“Such an approach ensures that the individuals who do start working for us are committed to the job, excited by their career and at being part of the award-winning trent barton team,” he added.