With growing awareness of the need for gender balance across the workplace, it’s particularly important that sectors like transport and logistics which are often traditionally seen as being male-dominated, embrace the skills that female team members bring.
At SJ Bargh, we are fortunate to have women well-represented within the business. The Board is made up of 60% females with the shareholders of the business being three sisters who are the third generation of the family business.
While the transport industry is heavily dominated by male drivers with women representing only a small percentage of the workforce, we also have a number of long-serving female drivers and offer jobs for everyone.
Here are a few thoughts from some of our female drivers on what it’s like working here:
Holly Anna Bogucka (Farm Collect)
1. How long have you been an HGV Driver?
I’ve been a HGV driver for three years and have worked for the SJ Bargh Group for the last eight years in various roles including roles in reception, MOT booking, warranty, admin, stores & parts
2. What interested you in becoming an HGV Driver?
I was attracted to a role driving because of the freedom and independence it gives as well as the opportunity to be out and about and meet new people, plus I like rising to new challenges.
3. What do you enjoy most about being an HGV driver?
I love the freedom of being a driver, smashing the stereotypes around being a lady driver, the experiences- no day is the same!
4. What’s the best advice you would give to a woman interested in becoming an HGV driver? Just do it – the modern industry is really supportive of young people learning the job, whatever their gender, and there is a lot of experience waiting to be handed down from those getting ready to hang up their keys. It won’t stop you from starting or having a family, you don’t have to stay away every night and the satisfaction is incredible. No one was born just able to do it, no matter what they say!
Susan Clarkson (Farm Collect)
1. How long have you been an HGV Driver?
It will be 21 years come February 2024. I just happened to call in to a small yard in Clitheroe, Lloyd Fraser milk tankers, and asked them if they needed drivers. Talk about the right place at the right time! The manager had just got off the phone to head office and they had given him permission to take on three new drivers. He gave me a chance. I worked for them just over 12 months and then SJ Bargh took them over and kept me on. That was my first HGV job.
2. What interested you in becoming an HGV Driver?
I have always been interested in driving.
3. What do you enjoy most about being an HGV driver?
I enjoy the independence and freedom of the job. Especially farm collection. I really like driving on country roads and I also like the solitude.
4. What’s the best advice you would give to a woman interested in becoming an HGV driver? My advice would be to go for it. It will be hard at first. But don’t give up. Everything will click into place. And if you are struggling, don’t be afraid to ask for help.
We’d love to hear from anyone (male or female), looking to return to HGV work or even a new challenge.
Get in contact and we’d be happy to discuss any possible vacancies we may have.