From working from home in isolation to driving coaches across Europe and even being the star of an upcoming national advert, Gwerfyl shared her journey into the bus and coach industry. She reflects on her growth at Llew Jones Coaches and how being a woman in the industry brings unique strengths and rewards to the role of coach and bus driving.
How Gwerfyl started her coach driving career with Llew Jones Coaches
Three years ago, Gwerfyl decided she needed a change. The role she was in at the time wasn’t fitting her personality, and she felt ready for something new. After a day working at her laptop, and having previously heard about Llew Jones training for drivers, she made a spontaneous decision to visit the head office.
Walking into reception, she simply announced that she would like to learn how to drive buses. In true Llew Jones style, she was met with a simple response: “Let’s go have a chat then.”
And just like that, her journey in the bus and coach industry began…
Coach driver training at Llew Jones Coaches: how Gwerfyl gained her licence
From the outset, Gwerfyl found the support from Llew Jones to be straightforward and encouraging. What began as a conversation turned into a clear training pathway, and from that point things began to move quickly.
The company funded her training and guided her through the process of gaining her licence, with ongoing support from the team at every stage of her development, helping her build confidence step by step. Rather than feeling overwhelming, she describes the experience as structured and supportive, with people on hand to help her progress through each stage.
She credits much of her confidence in the role to the support she received when starting out, which made a real difference in helping her believe in the career she was building.
Starting out driving local buses and routes, she gradually became more confident behind the wheel. As her experience developed, so did the variety of work she was able to take on, progressing into coach tours and longer journeys abroad.
This has included taking passengers on tours across Scotland and travelling through to the Alps for ski holidays, experiences she has also been able to enjoy during her time off.
Transferable skills for coach driving careers
As Gwerfyl grew in her role, she also began to recognise how much her previous experience helped her. Having worked in a variety of customer-facing roles, including cruise ships and customer service, she brought strong people skills into her driving career.
For her, the job quickly became about much more than just driving coaches. It was about working with people. She became more than “just a driver”, instead someone passengers genuinely enjoyed spending time with.
When driving local routes, she became a familiar face that regular passengers were always happy to see. As her experience grew and she progressed into driving tours across Europe, she quickly realised she had become part of people’s holiday experiences.
She found herself listening, laughing with passengers, and helping them feel reassured as they travelled, playing a key role in making their journeys more enjoyable and comfortable.
Being a woman in the coach industry
While the coach industry is still often seen as male-dominated, Gwerfyl says her experience has been overwhelmingly positive.
She has found the role both rewarding and varied, with opportunities to travel, meet people, and take on responsibility every day – supported by a company culture that has helped her grow in confidence throughout her career.
For her, being a woman in the industry has not been a barrier, but a different perspective that adds value to the role.
She has also enjoyed sharing her experience within the industry, including being interviewed on BBC Radio Wales and featuring in an upcoming national advert through Llew Jones.
Benefits of being a coach driver
Since starting her journey, Gwerfyl has remained with Llew Jones, travelling across the UK and Europe, experiencing a level of variety and independence that she hadn’t previously had in her career.
She enjoys the balance of responsibility and freedom the role provides, as well as the opportunity to meet people from all walks of life. For her, the job is not just about driving, it’s about being part of experiences, journeys, and memorable moments for passengers.
Most importantly, she values the stability and progression the industry offers, and the fact that her career continues to grow in new directions.
What surprised Gwerfyl about working as a coach driver?
One of the biggest surprises for Gwerfyl has been how welcoming and supportive the industry has been. Coming into a role that is often perceived as male-dominated, she initially expected it might feel intimidating, but her experience has been the opposite – especially when meeting other coach drivers on the road.
Everyone, she says, is in it together and supportive of one another, no matter who they work for.
She has also been surprised by the variety the role offers. From different routes and destinations to the range of people she meets along the way. No two days are the same, and that variety is something she values highly.
Advice for women considering coach driving jobs at Llew Jones Coaches
Gwerfyl is clear that she would encourage other women to consider the coach industry.
Her message is simple: don’t be put off by perception. If someone is considering it, she believes they should take the opportunity to explore it properly, as the industry is far more open and supportive than many might expect.
She also highlights that companies like Llew Jones Coaches provide real pathways into the industry, including training and support, making it accessible for those willing to take the first step.
Start your coach driving career with Llew Jones Coaches
Gwerfyl’s journey shows how a simple decision to try something new can lead to a completely different career path. With the support of an employer like Llew Jones Coaches, offering real training pathways and long-term opportunities, the coach industry can provide a rewarding and varied career – particularly for women looking to enter the profession.
If you’re interested in careers at Llew Jones, we’re always more than happy to chat, you can contact us here