Oxford Bus Company hosting engagement events for Bus and Coach Driver Recruitment Week

The activities form part of a national campaign to address a shortage of around 7,000 drivers cross the bus and coach industry in the UK. The events will highlight the job opportunities available in the local area and help people find out more about life as a bus or coach driver.

On Wednesday 23^rd February members of the Oxford  Bus Company marketing, HR and Training departments will be handing out information and talking to people at their travel shop in Gloucester Green.

Anyone passing will be able to find out more about the training process and the role itself, with information on opportunities at both Oxford Bus Company, based in Cowley and Thames Travel, whose depot is in Didcot. The activity continues Monday 28th February, when a session will be held in partnership with the Job Centre at the Watlington Road depot in Oxford. Potential candidates will be given a tour of the depot, plus an introduction to the training process and role of a bus driver. 

Oxford Bus Company along with sister companies, Thames Travel, and Carousel Buses are also currently running a social media campaign titled ‘Lonely Bus Eagerly Seeking New Driver’.

Bus and coach drivers are an integral part of the UK and often at the heart of their local communities. Being a driver means playing an essential role keeping people connected with friends and family, making sure they can access essential services, and travel to work, education or other training opportunities.

Oxford Bus Company has driver vacancies after a pause in the recruitment of new bus drivers during the pandemic. As customers continue to return to Oxford, for employment, education and leisure, the company is seeking to fill driver positions.

Full training is provided and a PCV (Bus) licence is not required to apply. Benefits include free bus travel for immediate family. The pay rate once qualified is as much as £17.79 per hour and overtime is available.

Phil Southall, Oxford Bus Company Managing Director, said: “Bus and coach drivers play a hugely important role in our community and are hugely rewarding jobs. Public transport is vital to connecting communities, reducing congestion and improving air quality.

“We would like to encourage people to consider a job as a bus or coach driver. We’re looking for people with great customer service skills and we will provide full bus driver training.”

To find out more please visit: https://www.oxfordbus.co.uk/careers or contact: jobs@oxfordbus.co.uk