18 May 2007

Dear Colleagues,

Women in our society can often be stereotyped as more suitable for certain jobs like nursing, teaching, administration, etc.; so I am delighted that Translink is involved in the WINS programme, which challenges this mindset.

WINS – ‘Women into Non-Traditional Sectors’ is a programme organised by Belfast City Council to take unemployed women or those wishing to return to work and train them in sectors which are traditionally considered ‘men’s work’. To date Translink has successfully recruited 6 women as bus drivers through WINS.

As a result of our work with this project, Opportunity Now has awarded Translink ‘Exemplar Employer’ status. This is a very real recognition for our company as only 90 employers have been awarded this recognition within the UK – many congratulations to all involved.

Translink and other major employers in Northern Ireland involved in the programme including the Housing Executive and the Construction Industry Training Board have benefited from the programme, which re-skilled the female participants through a 5 week intensive course to prepare them for re-entering the labour market, before they applied for positions with the various organisations.

A very warm welcome to the ladies who joined us as Translink colleagues through WINS, we hope to be welcoming many more before the end of this successful programme in autumn 2007!

Philip O'Neill

Acting Chief Executive

Opportunity Now has awarded Translink ‘Exemplar Employer’ status. This is a very real recognition for our company...