In conjunction with the Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT) recruitment week, the Reading Buses Group are currently recruiting coach drivers for their Newbury & District operation.
They are hoping that the CPT week-long initiative which started yesterday (Monday February 21) will help to encourage more people to consider a career in the bus and coach sector and assist Newbury & District with recruitment to their National Express driver team.
Based out of their Greenham Depot, Newbury & District – running the National Express contract – is a name synonymous with public transport in West Berkshire since 1932.
Said Group Chief Executive Officer Robert Williams: “Ninety years later we are proud to be providing the very highest levels of service with modern vehicles and a small team of friendly drivers.
“As a National Express coach driver new recruits will be delivering the highest standards of customer service, safety and comfort for passengers. We would love for recruits to join us on our journey to making customers happy.”
To attract enthusiastic and customer friendly drivers to join their National Express team, Newbury & District say previous experience in bus or coach driving is preferred, but not necessary as training can be given, if a two-year clean driving licence is held.
Outstanding customer service skills and a can-do attitude are high on the priority list and candidates can apply by visiting https://www.reading-buses.co.uk/national-express-drivers-wanted where more information is also available.
Robert continued: “As part of a group-wide recruitment process, we are encouraging people who enjoy working with people and who like driving to consider a career change.
“As well as full time positions being available, there are some part-time positions to give people options which fit around their lives.”
He added: “It is our experience that once they enter the industry many drivers stay for years, and we are hoping that our recruitment campaign will help showcase the benefits of a career in bus and coach.
“Currently one in ten driver jobs are vacant across the industry. However, our shortages are not as bad as elsewhere in the country and these vacancies represent an expanding operation where the business is growing.”
There are also driving vacancies at Reading Buses and Thames Valley Buses with different rates of pay and different number of hours contracts. More information about these roles is available on the company websites.
In launching their recruitment week, the CPT has announced it is working with local operators to encourage more people to consider a career in the bus and coach sector.