Some of the bus drivers, with London 2012 staff, who successfully completed their trainingThe women, most of whom were previously unemployed, will now move onto work placements to gain more experience before starting their new jobs as bus drivers on the Park from spring 2010.
Olympic Delivery Authority Chairman John Armitt said: ‘I’m pleased to say the Women’s Project is having notable success in employing women on the Olympic Park site. The programme is open to women across the capital and provides training and support for those seeking work on the Park and in the industry generally. Since April 2008, 280 women have been supported and of those 79 have gone on to secure work on the Park.
‘The result of our partnership with Hackney Community Transport has meant that the number of female bus drivers on the Olympic Park will increase from one to 11.’
The project aims to place 50 women in hands-on roles in the Park every year up to its completion in 2011.
Semra Kamil Yusuf completed the programme: ‘I was unemployed for five years, lost my confidence and self-esteem, found it very difficult to get into employment. I looked into courses that I could do that would lead to employment and I found this programme.
‘Gaining employment has changed my life tremendously as I was very depressed and had a lack of confidence. This has helped me financially, emotionally and socially. My life has turned around again. I am excited to be part of London 2012.’
