![Photo of Norman Stephens outside Wrightbus](/sites/default/files/2023-01/NORMAN1.jpg)
A man who has spent more than three decades at bus manufacturer Wrightbus is to become a foster carer at the age of 64.
Known as ‘Captain’, Norman Stephens is stepping down from his position with the Northern Ireland-based company and has decided to focus on caring for children.
Norman and his wife Sharon will be following in the footsteps of their daughter to become foster carers.
Norman said: “For the past three years, my wife and I have been supporting our daughter, son-in-law and their family as they foster children who need safe and loving homes.
“We have seen the real difference they have made in the lives of the children they have been fostering - it has been amazing to watch.
“They have been telling us about the massive shortage of foster carers throughout Northern Ireland and we thought that we could also foster and make a difference.
“It feels like the perfect next stage in my life after a successful and fulfilling career with Wrightbus. I now get to find success and a sense of fulfilment in a completely different way, helping children and young people who really need it.”
Norman joined Wrightbus in 1989 and has held a number of roles including a painter and quality inspector.
“Over the years I’ve been given lots of support and training to enable me to develop both personally and professionally,” he said.
“I made lots of great friends over the years and also made lots of great memories.
Now at the age of 64 I am ready for a new chapter in my life.”
His manager, Robert Gibb, thanked him for his loyal service and wished him well for the future.
“Norman quickly proved himself to be not only a highly-skilled worker, but a reliable and hardworking member of the team with a desire to excel,” he said.
“He moved on to take up posts as a front line manager and his current role of quality inspector.
“He has always worked to the highest of standards and inspires the teams around him to do the same.
“Known as ‘Captain’ by the underbody paint squad, Norman certainly lives up to the name with the support he gives to management and every member of the team. He has a great relationship with everyone in paint and finishing, and makes sure everyone works together to meet and exceed customer expectations.
“Over the years Norman has shown outstanding dedication to his role and to the company.
“He has helped lay the foundations for our company’s success, as we continue to build our team on the shoulders of employees just like him.
“He is the ‘wee’ man who leaves big shoes to fill. He deserves every joy in his retirement - we wish him well for the next chapter of his life and thank him for everything he has done in the years he has spent in Wrightbus.”
Wrightbus recently took on its 1,000th member of staff, just three years after the company was bought out of administration by green pioneer Jo Bamford with just 56 people on the books.
The turn-around comes during another outstanding year for the firm, in which it has secured a series of high-profile deals in the UK and overseas.
The company has launched a recruitment drive as it looks to the future of zero-emission transport and is planning to host its latest recruitment evening on Thursday, February 2, from 5.30pm to 8pm.
Visitors will have the opportunity to discuss job opportunities and the company’s ongoing plans for the future.
There will also be a chance to have a tour of the factory in Ballymena and meet departmental managers and the HR team.
People can register online via Eventbrite. A link can be found on its social media channels or by emailing [email protected].
The company also has an on-site recruitment office, which is open Monday to Thursday from 3pm-5pm and Friday from 12pm-1pm. No appointment necessary.
Read more
![Photo of Jon Eardley smiling at camera. he is wearing a white shirt and navy blazer. the background is grey. Wrightbus and AllServiceOne logos are on right hand side](/sites/default/files/2024-07/je%20web%202.jpg)
![Line of first bus buses in the new power factory](/sites/default/files/2024-07/firstbus%20newpower%20order2.jpg)
NewPower secures first order from First Bus just weeks after launch
Read on![Jean-Marc Gales, Jo Bamford and family at the opening of NewPower in Bicester](/sites/default/files/2024-06/web2b.jpg)
![female engineer](/sites/default/files/2024-06/1.5%20billion%20web2.jpg)
Wrightbus has contributed more than £1.5 billion to the UK economy
Read on![a line up of double deck battery electric buses outside the Wrightbus factory](/sites/default/files/2024-05/web2.jpg)
100 zero emission electric buses for Translink propels green growth for Northern Ireland
Read on![aerial photograph of Wrightbus factory in Ballymena](/sites/default/files/2024-05/NI%20Growth%20web%202.jpg)
Wrightbus unveils plan for European growth after incredible start to 2024
Read on![Group of men standing in front of a white single deck hydrogen fuel cell bus. the men are smiling at the camera](/sites/default/files/2024-05/cottbus%20web2.jpg)
Vierter Deal in Deutschland: Cottbusverkehr ordert 46 Wasserstoffbusse von Wrightbus
Read on![Group of men standing in front of a white single deck, left hand drive hydrogen fuel cell bus](/sites/default/files/2024-04/cottbus%20web2.jpg)
![3 people talking in front of a row of parked yellow double deck buses](/sites/default/files/2024-04/web%20limerick%202.jpg)
Wrightbus helps Irish city to become one of the first to deploy fully electric bus service
Read on![blue single deck electric bus](/sites/default/files/2024-04/first%20solent%20web2.jpg)
![Hydrogen double deck bus image overlaid with article from The Times](/sites/default/files/2024-04/image2_0.jpg)
![Group of people wearing high vis safety wear standing in front of a bus](/sites/default/files/2024-03/norwich%20launch%20web%202.jpg)
First Bus launches all-electric fleet depot after investing in Wrightbus’s ZE buses
Read on![blue double deck bus driving along a country road, photograph has been taken by a drone](/sites/default/files/2024-03/electro%20web2.jpg)
![group of men standing in front of a factory entrance. a black and white sign in background reads 'Wrightbus'](/sites/default/files/2024-02/sb%20web%202.jpg)
![Eine Gruppe Männer steht vor einer Fabrik](/sites/default/files/2024-02/sb%20web%202_1.jpg)
Wrightbus sichert sich neuen Auftrag für 28 Wasserstoffbusse
Read on![red double deck electric bus](/sites/default/files/2024-02/stagecoach%20web%2012.jpg)
Wrightbus secures new deal to deliver zero-emission buses to London
Read on![Group of men standing in a bus factory smiling at the camera](/sites/default/files/2024-02/WEB2.jpg)
Shadow Northern Ireland Secretary hails green innovation at Wrightbus
Read on![red double deck electric bus](/sites/default/files/2024-02/arriva%20web2.jpg)
![group of men standing in front of a double deck electric bus](/sites/default/files/2024-01/2.jpg)
![blue double deck bus driving along a road](/sites/default/files/2024-01/web%20electroliner%202.jpg)
![two grey battery electric double deck buses](/sites/default/files/2023-11/Untitled-2%20%5BRecovered%5D-05.jpg)
Oxford continues charge to net zero with launch of Wrightbus’s fully electric buses
Read on![red single deck bus](/sites/default/files/2023-11/Untitled-2-05.jpg)
Wrightbus secures further orders with transport operator Abellio
Read on![two men standing in front of a green double decker electric bus](/sites/default/files/2023-11/webc.jpg)
Northern Ireland Minister hails green innovation at Wrightbus
Read on![red double decker bus for Arriva London](/sites/default/files/2023-11/arriva%20web2.jpg)
![purple and grey double decker bus parked in front of a tower with stormy sky in the background](/sites/default/files/2023-10/web2b.jpg)
Wrightbus’s zero-emission vehicles set to hit the streets of Norwich
Read on![green and blue double decker buses driving along a country road](/sites/default/files/2023-10/6%20million%20ze%20miles2.jpg)
![group of men standing at entrance to Wrightbus factory beside a sign that reads welcome to wrightbus in the German language](/sites/default/files/2023-10/wv2.jpg)
Wrightbus lands significant order for hydrogen-powered buses from Germany
Read on![Hydroliner show bus parked in front of Pierhead Building](/sites/default/files/2023-10/web2B-01-01-01-01-01.jpg)
![blue double deck bus, the bus is a battery electric bus called Electroliner](/sites/default/files/2023-10/2new.jpg)
Preparations gather pace for roll out of Wrightbus’s zero-emission buses in Oxford
Read on![Green hydrogen double deck bus](/sites/default/files/2023-09/sizewellc%202.jpg)
![men standing in front of a green double deck bus](/sites/default/files/2023-09/arriva%20low%20bridge2.jpg)
Wrightbus’s first ever double-deck electric ‘low bridge’ buses launched in Leicester
Read on![Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Jean-Marc Gales shaking hands in front of a green and yellow double deck bus](/sites/default/files/2023-09/LV%20VISIT%20WEB%202.jpg)
![grey and purple double deck buses parked in front of a castle](/sites/default/files/2023-09/york%20web2.jpg)
![Photo of Mick Campbell at Wrightbus](/sites/default/files/2023-09/mick2.jpg)
![interior of bus factory production line](/sites/default/files/2023-09/recruitment2.jpg)
![Alex Gadd AllServiceOne](/sites/default/files/2023-09/alex%202.jpg)
![school assembly hall with pupils and speaker](/sites/default/files/2023-07/schools2.jpg)
![group of people standing in front of hydrogen single deck bus](/sites/default/files/2023-06/go%20ahead%20web2.jpg)
![man standing in front of wrightbus sign](/sites/default/files/2023-06/phil%20owen%202_0.jpg)
![Pat McFadden with Wrightbus senior management](/sites/default/files/2023-06/pat2.jpg)
![Lord Johnson and Wrightbus senior management](/sites/default/files/2023-06/2c.jpg)
![translink EV Bus launch at Guildhall](/sites/default/files/2023-05/web2.jpg)
![wrightbus double deck and single deck battery electric buses](/sites/default/files/2023-05/uk%20most%20efficient%202.jpg)
![Peter Kyle MP visiting Wrightbus](/sites/default/files/2023-05/peter%20kyle2.jpg)
![wrightbus zero emission buses](/sites/default/files/2023-05/4million%20miles%202.jpg)
![green hydroliner bus from wrightbus](/sites/default/files/2023-05/apc%20web%202.jpg)
![Jean-Marc Gales Wrightbus CEO](/sites/default/files/2023-04/JMG%20THUMBNAIL.jpg)
![stagecoach wrightbus](/sites/default/files/2023-04/stagecoach%20web%202.jpg)
Wrightbus secures new deal to deliver zero emission buses to London
Read on![Students and Wrightbus team with electric race car at Queens University](/sites/default/files/2023-04/qub%20web2_0.jpg)
University students on the fast track to success thanks to Wrightbus racing car sponsorship
Read on![arriva wrightbus double deck electric bus](/sites/default/files/2023-03/arriva%20web2.jpg)
Arriva London makes further commitment to delivering a sustainable bus network across London.
Read on![wrightbus factory site ballymena](/sites/default/files/2023-03/hygen%202b.jpg)
Funding Award For Ballymena Hydrogen Production Facility at Wrightbus Site
Read on![first group electric single deck bus](/sites/default/files/2023-03/first%20electric%202.jpg)
Wrightbus secures new deal to deliver zero emission buses to Leicester
Read on![first group wrightbus buses in countryside](/sites/default/files/2023-03/3.jpg)
£25 million to boost roll-out of British-made green buses around the country
Read on![Nicola McCloskey HR director at Wrightbus](/sites/default/files/2023-02/WEB%20PRESS%20NEWS%20IMAGES-02.jpg)
Recruitment Evening Encourages More Women Into The Workplace
Read on![Secretary of State for Transport with Ian Gillot and Robert Best from Wrightbus](/sites/default/files/2023-02/sos%20transport2.jpg)
Transport Secretary hails hydrogen bus production at Wrightbus
Read on![aerial view of wrightbus site](/sites/default/files/2023-02/hygen%202b.jpg)
Plans announced for state-of-the-art green hydrogen project at Wrightbus Ballymena
Read on![wrightbus zero emission double decker buses](/sites/default/files/2023-02/3mill%202.jpg)
![wrightbus and go ahead Oxford](/sites/default/files/2023-01/oxford%202.jpg)
![Steve Jackson outside Wrightbus](/sites/default/files/2023-01/steve%202.jpg)
![Rock Road Funding for Wrightbus Electroliners](/sites/default/files/2023-01/abellio%20rock%202.jpg)
![Battery Boxes given fresh lease of life](/sites/default/files/2022-12/boxes2.jpg)
![Metroline places order with Wrightbus for zero-emissions buses](/sites/default/files/2022-11/electroliner%20metroline2.jpg)
Metroline places order with Wrightbus for zero-emissions buses
Read on![Wrightbus Hydrogen Fleet cover 1.5 Million Miles](/sites/default/files/2022-11/1.5m%202_0.jpg)
![1,000th employee joins Wrightbus](/sites/default/files/2022-11/1000employeeweb2jpg.jpg)
![GLASGOW OPEN TOP BUSES WILL SOON BE ONE OF THE GREENEST TOURS IN THE WORLD](/sites/default/files/2022-11/glasgow2.jpg)
GLASGOW OPEN TOP BUSES WILL SOON BE ONE OF THE GREENEST TOURS IN THE WORLD
Read on![AllServiceOne Launch](/sites/default/files/2022-11/as1%20web2.jpg)
![Zero-emission fleet hits the 2 million mile mark](/sites/default/files/2022-10/2%20million%202.jpg)
![Translink signs contract with Wrightbus for 100 new Zero Emission buses](/sites/default/files/2022-10/2.jpg)
Translink signs contract with Wrightbus for 100 new Zero Emission buses
Read on![Secretary of State for Northern Ireland visits Wrightbus](/sites/default/files/2022-10/2b_0.jpg)
![Wrightbus will be “among the very best” showcasing benefits of hydrogen at both Labour and Conservative conferences](/sites/default/files/2022-09/web%20image%20labour%20conf3.jpg)
Wrightbus showcasing benefits of Hydrogen at Labour & Conservative Conferences
Read on![Wrightbus named winners at Responsible Business Awards](/sites/default/files/2022-09/respons%20award2.jpg)
![Wrightbus to supply hydrogen cell technology to leading Australian bus operator](/sites/default/files/2022-09/b.jpg)
Wrightbus to supply hydrogen cell technology to leading Australian bus operator
Read on![The new Chief Executive of Wrightbus takes up post](/sites/default/files/2022-09/joerg%203_0.jpg)
![First Bus places one of UK’s largest ever EV bus orders with Wrightbus](/sites/default/files/2022-08/3_0.jpg)
First Bus places one of UK’s largest ever EV bus orders with Wrightbus
Read on![Wrightbus appoints new Head of Business Development for Parts and Services](/sites/default/files/2022-08/alex%203.jpg)
![Family Fun Day says 'thank you' to Wrightbus Employees](/sites/default/files/2022-08/2_0.jpg)
![Wrightbus staff form Guard of Honour in tribute to founder Sir William Wright](/sites/default/files/2022-07/2_1.jpg)
Wrightbus staff form Guard of Honour in tribute to founder Sir William Wright
Read on![Jo Bamford praises legacy of Sir William Wright](/sites/default/files/2022-07/2_0.jpg)
![Wrightbus announced as Ballymena United sponsors for next two football seasons](/sites/default/files/2022-07/2_3.jpg)
Wrightbus announced as Ballymena United sponsors for next two football seasons
Read on![New Sales Director joins the Wrightbus team](/sites/default/files/2022-07/2.jpg)
New Sales Director for Parts & Services joins the Wrightbus team
Read on![Sales team expansion as Wrightbus continues to grow](/sites/default/files/2022-06/sales2.jpg)
![Continued growth sees Wrightbus open onsite recruitment office](/sites/default/files/2022-06/HR2_2.jpg)
![Minister for Investment visits world-leading Wrightbus hot on the heels of historic NTA deal](/sites/default/files/2022-06/2_2.jpg)
![NTA Announces Historic Agreement for 800 Battery-Electric Double-Deck Buses](/sites/default/files/2022-06/2_1.jpg)
NTA Announces Historic Agreement for 800 Battery-Electric Double-Deck Buses
Read on![Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd visits Wrightbus to hear about technologies used in delivering zero-emission buses](/sites/default/files/2022-06/2_0.jpg)
![Wrightbus lands German deal for up to 60 hydrogen buses](/sites/default/files/2022-05/web2.jpg)
![Pioneering Wrightbus technology WB UPTIME 365 now brings even more benefits](/sites/default/files/2022-05/Untitled-4-Recovered%20copy.jpg)
![Wrightbus signs landmark deal with Australia’s leading bus body manufacturer Volgren](/sites/default/files/2022-05/VOLGREN2.jpg)
Wrightbus signs landmark deal with Australia’s leading bus body manufacturer Volgren
Read on![Tests show Wrightbus StreetDeck Electroliner is officially world’s most efficient double deck battery-electric bus](/sites/default/files/2022-05/2_2.jpg)
Wrightbus Electroliner Officially World’s Most Efficient Double Deck Battery-Electric Bus
Read on![Wrightbus Zero-emission hydrogen buses travel 1 million miles](/sites/default/files/2022-05/2_1.jpg)
![Wrightbus eyes European expansion with new Chief Commercial Officer appointment](/sites/default/files/2022-04/WEB%20PRESS%20NEWS%20IMAGES-02.jpg)
![World-leading Wrightbus Electroliner on UK Tour](/sites/default/files/2022-04/WEB%20PRESS%20NEWS%20IMAGES%20%5BRecovered%5D-02.jpg)
![Minister of State for Northern Ireland Visits Wrightbus](/sites/default/files/2022-03/WEB%20PRESS%20NEWS%20IMAGES%20%5BRecovered%5D-02_0.jpg)
![First new electric Wrightbus double deckers set to enter passenger service](/sites/default/files/2022-03/WEB%20PRESS%20NEWS%20IMAGES%20%5BRecovered%5D-02.jpg)
The first Wrightbus Electroliners set to enter passenger service in Belfast
Read on![Buta Atwal Signs Diversity Pledge](/sites/default/files/2022-03/WEB%20PRESS%20NEWS%20IMAGES%20%5BRecovered%5D-02.png)
![Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon Visits Wrightbus](/sites/default/files/2022-03/WEB%20PRESS%20NEWS%20IMAGES-02.jpg)
![Mayor of London Visits Wrightbus](/sites/default/files/2022-03/WEB%20PRESS%20NEWS%20IMAGES%20BANNER-02.jpg)
![Wrightbus join the Jobstart Scheme Nicola McCloskey HR Director](/sites/default/files/2022-02/WEB%20PRESS%20NEWS%20IMAGES-02_1.jpg)
![Wrightbus recruitment drive for apprentices](/sites/default/files/2022-02/apprentcie%20press%20release%20karsten-02.jpg)
![Economy Minister Gordon Lyons visits Wrightbus](/sites/default/files/2022-02/minister%20visit%204%20feb-02.jpg)
![Recruitment drive huge success for leading bus manufacturer Wrightbus](/sites/default/files/2022-01/web%20recruitment%202-02.jpg)
![Recruitment drive continues at leading bus manufacturer Wrightbus](/sites/default/files/2022-01/WEB%20PRESS%20NEWS%20IMAGES-02.jpg)
Recruitment drive continues at leading bus manufacturer Wrightbus
Read on![Hydrogen-powered buses on the streets of the West Midlands for the first time.](/sites/default/files/2022-01/West%20midlands%20thumbnail%20image%20ARTICLE-01-02-03.jpg)
Hydrogen-powered buses on the streets of the West Midlands for the first time.
Read on![First Minister Visits Wrightbus](/sites/default/files/2021-12/first%20minister%20visit%20web%20pr%20thumb-02_0.jpg)
![Wrightbus Hydrogen Bus Celebrates Fifth Anniversary](/sites/default/files/2021-12/Press%20Release_Thumbnail_862%20X%20644.jpg)
![Go-Ahead buys its first zero emission hydrogen buses](/sites/default/files/2021-11/Press%20Release%203_Thumbnail_862%20X%20644.jpg)
![Mallon unveils the first in Ireland Battery Electric Double Decker Bus for Public Transport](/sites/default/files/2021-11/Press%20Release%203_Thumbnail_862%20X%20644-2_0.jpg)
Mallon unveils the first in Ireland Battery Electric Double Decker Bus for Public Transport
Read on![Fortescue Future Industries joins hand with JCB and Ryze Hydrogen](/sites/default/files/2021-11/Press%20Release_Thumbnail_862%20X%20644.jpg)
Fortescue Future Industries joins hand with JCB and Ryze Hydrogen
Read on![Wrightbus prevents one million kgs of CO2 from entering the atmosphere](/sites/default/files/2021-10/Thumbnails%20-%20861x644_4.jpg)
Wrightbus prevents one million kgs of CO2 from entering the atmosphere
Read on![The UK Hydrogen Roadshow shines spotlight on low carbon hydrogen innovation across the UK](/sites/default/files/2021-10/Press%20Release_Press%20Release%20Thumbnail_862%20X%20644.jpg)
The UK Hydrogen Roadshow shines spotlight on low carbon hydrogen innovation
Read on![Wrightbus honoured to showcase to the world](/sites/default/files/2021-10/thumbnail1.jpg)
![Wrightbus to showcase two new zero-emission buses](/sites/default/files/2021-09/Press%20Release_Press%20Release%20Thumbnail_862%20X%20644.jpg)
![Wrightbus creates hundreds of permanent jobs as bus orders flood in](/sites/default/files/2021-08/Press%20Release%20Thumbnail_862x644_DRONES%20%2829%20of%2034%29_0.jpg)
Wrightbus creates hundreds of permanent jobs as bus orders flood in
Read on![Minister Poots visits Wrightbus to discuss its plans for green hydrogen economy](/sites/default/files/2021-08/Thumbnails%20-%20862x644_459A7316.jpg)
Minister Poots visits Wrightbus to discuss its plans for green hydrogen economy
Read on![Wrightbus owner Jo Bamford launched FUZE today](/sites/default/files/2021-11/Thumbnails%20-%20862x644_Ben%20Werth_1.jpg)
![New MD with global ambition joins Wrightbus](/sites/default/files/2021-09/Thumbnails%20-%20862x644_Neil%20Collins%201_1.jpg)
![World-class features meet low-emission technology](/sites/default/files/2021-07/861x644_second%20shoot%20sunrise%20%2816%20of%20146%29.jpg)
![Driving towards a sustainable future at full pace](/sites/default/files/2021-07/861x644_second%20shoot%20sunrise%20%28114%20of%20146%29.jpg)
![Our advanced AI-driven telematics system – WB UPTIME 365](/sites/default/files/2021-07/861x644_telematics.jpg)
![Mayor launches England’s](/sites/default/files/2021-07/861x644_Wrightbus%20CEO%2C%20Buta%20Atwal%2C%20with%20Sadiq%20Khan.jpg)