Katie cuts a new path
Yorkshire’s largest independent vehicle-hire firm has announced that it has recently hired the first female mechanic to its growing team.
Katie Bushell joins Arrow Self Drive having completed a three-year apprenticeship organised by Kirklees College.
In her new role as a mechanic, 19-year-old Katie is responsible for conducting services, safety checks and repairs on the company’s growing fleet. Arrow Self Drive was founded in 1988 by businessmen Robert Hill and Chris Taylor, with the partners initially selling commercial vehicles to local businesses from a garage on Manchester Road in Huddersfield.
Today, the business is run by Robert’s son, James Hill.
Over the past 30 years, Arrow Self Drive has grown to become Yorkshire’s largest independent vehicle hire firm, with a fleet of more than 2,000 rental vehicles and more than 80 staff across the region.
In contrast to the predominately male dominated industry in which it operates, currently 21% of Arrow Self Drive’s personnel is female; several of which hold senior management positions and take a leading role in driving the company forward.
James Hill, managing director at Arrow Self Drive, said, ‘The motor trade is an industry traditionally dominated by men, but at Arrow Self Drive, one Yorkshire’s leading contract hire companies, women employees are intrinsic to the company and its development. We strive to be leaders within our field and with many females now entering into STEM careers it is important to us to do as much as we can to facilitate the growth and development of young professionals in the automotive industry.
‘We’re delighted to welcome Katie to Arrow Self Drive and she brings a real passion and excellent skill set to the team. We look forward to seeing Katie flourish as the business continues to grow throughout 2018 and beyond.’
Katie Bushell said, ‘I’m thrilled to have been given such a warm welcome by the fantastic team at Arrow Self Drive. I’ve already learn so much and I’m excited to embark upon a long and fruitful career alongside some of the region’s talented professionals working in the automotive industry.
‘I know for some people it’s unusual to see a woman working in my role but being a mechanic is all I ever wanted to do and I’m delighted to have been given this opportunity. I really enjoy working on the vehicles and diagnosing faults, I’m a keen problem solver so it’s fantastic to have a job where I’m able to do this daily and contribute to the continued success of Arrow Self Drive.’
