International Women’s Day 2024 | Breaking stereotypes

blog 07 Mar 2024

Lucy is a Traffic Management Operative and has worked at Sunbelt Rentals for 6 years, out of the Carlisle Depot. On this International Women's Day, we celebrate Lucy and all the other incredible women who have paved the way for gender equality and continue to inspire inclusion every day. Before joining our team, Lucy worked as a supervisor at a petrol station and decided she fancied a change… the rest is history. So, let’s hear more from Lucy:

 

What is a typical day like for a Traffic Management Operative (TMO)?

 “A typical day as a TMO involves loading up our vans at the depot and then setting off to the location where we install our temporary traffic management system. From my depot in Carlisle, we cover the whole of Cumbria and as far north as Stranraer, it’s certainly a beautiful part of the country! Working nights and early mornings, you see some fantastic sunrises and sunsets, plus many starry nights.

As part of my role I install temporary traffic lights, road or lane closures for our customers so they can undertake any work that’s needed. I find the set up and take down is the hard part, but it all depends on the traffic levels at the time.

I really like my job. I enjoy travelling around the county and working by myself, I enjoy my own company and always have a book or two on my phone when I get a break. I enjoy the evening shifts the most, as it can be quieter and you can take some time to enjoy the stars.

What are some of the biggest challenges and rewards you've encountered in this field? 

As a TMO, one of the most challenging obstacles I have faced is being the first female in this role at our depot. Initially, this made me feel the pressure to prove myself, but over time, I have come to realise that I do not need to do so.

The team at the depot treats me as an equal and we get on well. I think there is a societal stereotype that this type of job is only suitable for men, but I can assure you it’s not. I’d recommend it to anyone, if you like physical work and being outdoors this is the job for you.

I hope that being the first woman in the role at Carlisle will inspire others to join our business and the industry, as women can do anything they want! My daughter is already thinking about a similar career path!