Interview with Oksana Serhiychuk: "I wanted to become a bus driver. And I did it"

Oksana completed her training within the project and is already working at the Municipal Trolleybus Enterprise in Kryvyi Rih. In an interview, she talks about her path, new profession, challenges, and support.

Why the profession of a bus driver?

I worked as a cargo and baggage receptionist at the ArcelorMittal Kryvyi Rih enterprise in the contracting organization Stal Ukraina.

I liked being behind the wheel. As soon as I received my first driver's license, I immediately got behind the wheel and drove almost all the time. It was always interesting to try driving a large-sized transport. I saw the announcement of the She Drives project on social networks, told my husband. He supported me, and I registered. I will be honest, until the last moment I did not believe that I would pass the selection, but everything turned out well.

How were the theoretical and practical classes?

At first it was difficult. I passed the theory test 17 years ago. A lot has changed since then. My husband reassured me: "You drive great. You'll do fine." And I really passed the exam the first time - 20 out of 20 correct answers.

Then there was practice on a RUTA bus. I had no problems mastering the dimensions, because for almost 10 years I had been driving my own Mercedes Vito with similar dimensions, except that the bus was taller and longer.

After the first practical lesson, the instructor immediately said that I would pass the test the first time. And so it happened.

How did the job search process go?

At the driving school, I was given the contact information of the chief engineer for traffic safety at the Municipal Trolleybus Enterprise. I called and was invited for an interview with the director. I was sincerely surprised at how openly and impartially they greeted me. They asked about my participation in the project and why I wanted to work. After a short conversation, they told me to register. Everything was simple and fast.

How was your first working day?

I have been working at the Municipal Trolleybus Enterprise for less than a month. The first few days we drove around the company's territory, then went out into the city, familiarized ourselves with the route. A few days later, I started working with a mentor on the route with passengers. People reacted differently: for many, it is still unusual to see a woman driving a bus. In general, the passengers are grateful - it is very pleasant.

What are the working conditions?

The schedule is 4 through 2. I work two days in the morning, two days from lunch, then two days off. The shift lasts 8 hours. The route itself is long, because Kryvyi Rih is the longest city in Ukraine. One way - about 1 hour 20 minutes. Before leaving, I check the car, undergo a medical examination. I have even driven into a pit myself more than once. As I was told, not all men do it successfully.

There is time for lunch, rest. There are restrooms at the final stops. The salary depends on the class. I am still a third-class driver, but I will gradually grow. It is very important for me to gain experience. In the future, I plan to switch to international transportation. I am interested in this.

What challenges have you faced while working as a bus driver?

It is physically difficult because of the uncomfortable seat of the bus. For a long time I was used to fitting the dimensions of the bus at roundabouts. However, the team is very supportive, both men and women are always ready to help if something is needed.

Was the additional training within the She Drives project useful?

The excursion to Brovary to the FlixBus contractors was especially useful. There I got behind the wheel of a large-sized bus for the first time. It gave me confidence that I would cope. Psychological training, preparation for interviews, training to obtain Code 95 were also useful. Thanks to the project, I also found friends. We still communicate.

Do you have a principle that helps you move forward and can inspire other women not to be afraid of change?

I always say: “If you want to do it, do it. I wanted to do it and I did it.” There are difficulties in life, but I don’t let them stop me.

The project "Expanding the professional potential of women in the field of transportation" is being implemented by the NGO Foundation for Institutional Development on the initiative of the Ministry for Development of Communities and Territories of Ukraine, in partnership with UN Women and under the financial support from the governments of France, Poland and Sweden.