21 Apr 2016

Jayne Parkes finds a way at Height for Hire

Height for Hire are proud of Jayne Parkes, our pioneering female driver, who recently made a video with the UK’s Department for Work and Pensions showing how the Universal Credit system worked for her. Jayne initally came to work for Height for Hire as a part time cleaner while completing her Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) course.

Her work coach told us it was the first time she referred a woman to this course, but she felt Jayne had the determination and strength of personality to work and succeed in this male dominated area. It was no surprise to any of us at Height for Hire when Jayne passed the course with distinction. Over the course of a couple of conversations with Height for Hire’s Managing Director Fergus Mc Ardle, they discussed her career aspirations and new developments within the company, particularly about establishing a Self Drive Division in the UK.

These Self Drive Van Mounts have an access lift that can reach up to 20m, but are mounted on a light truck that can be driven on a car licence. However at Height for Hire, we also offer an operator service. When Jayne completed her Driver CPC course, Height for Hire sent her to Ireland to do her IPAF training and to learn from the Self Drive team already established and working in Ireland.

Jayne now works for Height for Hire full time in the Self Drive Division in Manchester as an operator on the 20m van mounts. However, she has also undergone training on the 33m truck mounts through our training and mentoring scheme and has carried out her first hire. The next stage of her journey will be to get her Class 2 Truck Licence and Height for Hire are fully behind her.

To see Jaynes interview, click here

Following Jayne’s trailblazing, we have since taken on another female operator, Samantha Gilmour, for the Self Drive Division in Newcastle. We look forward to