International Women's Day 2025

This International Women’s Day, we celebrate the incredible women across Nottingham City Transport (NCT) who help keep our city moving. From Drivers to Engineers, Operations Managers to Marketing experts, women play a vital role in every aspect of our business. Their dedication, expertise, and passion ensure that Nottingham's buses run smoothly and efficiently every day.

Transport has traditionally been a male-dominated industry, with women accounting for only 26% of the workforce (Source: Women in Transport, 2025). As these inspiring women at NCT show, that's changing. Whether they've built long-standing careers at NCT or joined from completely different backgrounds, they all share a commitment to their work and a belief that transport is a career for everyone. 

Zohra  – Bus Driver

Zohra joined NCT in January 2018 as a bus driver and is our most commended driver, known for her friendly nature and excellent rapport with passengers. This year, she was named Driver of the Year at the NCT Excellence Awards, reflecting her outstanding service and dedication. Coming from a background where women can face restrictions on professional driving, Zohra is proud to be the first Pakistani woman driver to win this award. This International Women’s Day, she is proud to be in this position and wants to spread the message to encourage anyone considering a career in transport to go for it.

Amber – Auto Electrician Apprentice

Amber started her career as a nursery nurse before moving into hospitality, but she always preferred hands-on work. She eventually found her way to NCT, where she now works on the electrical and mechanical systems of buses, including gas, diesel, and electric vehicles. With no prior experience in transport, Amber has embraced the challenge, learning new skills every day. She highly recommends the NCT apprenticeship, saying, “It’s a career for life—you get to take on new challenges, learn new skills, and make great friends along the way.” NCT is currently looking for a Technician Apprentice, so if you’re considering a career in transport, now is the perfect time to apply!

Nicola – Marketing Manager

Nicola has been with NCT for 16 years, starting as a Graphic Designer before progressing into Marketing. Initially unsure about working in the bus industry, she has seen both the company and the industry modernise over the years. NCT provided the flexibility and support she needed while raising her children, allowing her to gain industry-recognised qualifications and advance her career. Nicola takes pride in seeing NCT buses on the road, knowing the role she plays in keeping Nottingham moving. “I can’t imagine working anywhere else,” she says.

Alison – Assistant Operations Manager

Alison began her NCT journey as a bus driver on 9th June 1997, when there were only 20-30 female drivers in the company. Over the years, she progressed through roles as a Service Auditor, Garage Supervisor, and Relief Operations Manager before becoming an Assistant Operations Manager. She now supports drivers by overseeing performance and behaviour while also serving as a Mental Health First Aider for colleagues across the business. On International Women’s Day, Alison highlights the diversity, equality, and inclusion at NCT, saying, “It will be the best decision you ever make—people don’t just stay for a short while, they stay for a lifetime.”

Chloe – Radio Controller

Chloe plays a key role in the day-to-day operation of the bus schedule, working hard to keep services running smoothly and minimise cancellations for passengers. She utilises the radio control and AVL system, communicating with over 300 buses to manage diversions, accidents, and network issues in real time. Chloe also ensures compliance with driving regulations by monitoring drivers’ hours, breaks, and wheel-turning time. Working in a traditionally male-dominated environment, Chloe encourages more women to consider a career in transport, saying, “Don’t be put off by working in a male-dominated workforce—everyone is so helpful, and we all have such a laugh at work. I’ve worked my way up from a Driver to a Garage Supervisor to a Radio Controller, and there are so many equal opportunities within NCT.”

Rebecca – Bus Driver

Rebecca drives all routes across the NCT network, providing extensive route knowledge and assisting passengers with queries, complaints, and ticket information. She ensures safety through thorough pre-use checks and helps passengers with additional needs, including children, the elderly, and those with disabilities. As a qualified Mental Health First Aider, Rebecca also supports her colleagues, offering assistance and signposting them to professional help when needed. Her advice to women considering a career in transport is simple: “If you think it’s out of your comfort zone, do it. If you feel intimidated by joining, still do it—you won’t regret it!”

Natalie – Operations Compliance Manager

Natalie plays a vital role in maintaining high operational standards at NCT, leading the company to achieve Earned Recognition Status—placing it among the UK’s top operators for compliance. She was instrumental in writing and implementing Standard Operating Procedures, ensuring NCT met the stringent DVSA criteria. Her ongoing work includes internal audits, managing compliance reports, and chairing key operational meetings. Recognised at the UK Bus Awards with a Highly Commended Manager of the Year award, Natalie's dedication to excellence continues to enhance NCT's performance and regulatory standards. 

Lisa - Bus Driver

Lisa first joined NCT in 1999 but left due to the challenges of balancing shift work with childcare. She returned to driving with NCT in 2018 and has seen a huge improvement in the industry, with more flexible rotas making it easier to balance work and home life. Lisa acknowledges that joining a male-dominated industry can feel daunting at first, but she loves coming to work and says the best part of the job is the laughs and chats with her colleagues throughout the day.

If you’re thinking of joining NCT, we’d love to hear from you. As the largest transport operator in the Greater Nottingham area, NCT offers a range of exciting opportunities across various roles, with a commitment to providing comprehensive training and skill development. As one of the biggest private employers in Nottingham, we’re always looking for passionate individuals who want to make a difference. Explore our current vacancies and learn more about the skills and attributes we look for: https://www.nctx.co.uk/jobs