While UK bus and coach services are booming, demand from commuters is outstripping supply from operators. According to the Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT), bus journeys are up by as much as 29% in Scotland, and 19% in England.
However, transport operators are struggling to fill bus and coach driver vacancies. So, it makes sense to plan-ahead to ensure sufficient provision for these increasing passenger numbers. Acting now could help prevent driver shortages and an undersupply of transport services in the future.
One possible solution is to upskill experienced drivers into Bus/Coach Assessors and Bus/Coach Instructors. This can boost your in-house training capacity, bolster driver recruitment, and add value to your business.
Why invest in training now?
The UK Government is currently considering options to help retain and attract new bus and coach drivers. This will generate demand for quality driver training across the PCV/PSV community. These courses will need to be delivered by skilled and knowledgeable Bus Instructors. Bringing qualified Bus Instructors or Coach Instructors in-house, means you can be fast to respond to these driver training needs, helping to fill your vacant roles faster.
With many companies actively looking to fill bus and coach driver positions, it is a busy time for recruitment. Having Bus Assessors or Coach Assessors as part of your in-house team will help ensure you have the right team in place. They will be ready to support driver recruitment processes. And maintain safety and efficiency standards among existing drivers.
Bus Assessors and Instructors bring big benefits
With qualified PCV/PSV Instructors and Assessors, companies can expect to save valuable time and money on external training for new drivers. Having this resource in house is more convenient and usually more cost-effective. It also provides long-term flexibility.
With peaks in recruitment, Bus Assessors and Coach Assessors will also play an important role. They can carry out pre-employment driving assessments. These check a driver’s level of skill and knowledge before employment. Bus Assessors can also help companies maintain driving standards through annual assessments of drivers, for example. Or after an incident occurs.
Bus/Coach Assessor and Bus/Coach Instructor training also represent a great opportunity for career development for drivers with the right attributes. This can help boost employee morale. It also shows that you care about your staff, making you a more attractive employer.
New! Bus Instructor and Bus Assessor training with the RTITB Instructor Academy
Choosing a high-quality, professional course for Bus Instructors, Coach Instructors, Bus Assessors, or Coach Assessors can provide reassurance that candidates are equipped with the necessary skills to train and/or assess drivers.
Our Bus Instructor and Bus Assessor courses at the RTITB Instructor Academy do exactly this. They are developed by experts with safety in mind and helps support compliance. It is ideal for candidates with significant experience as a PCV/PSV driver. They should also possess good attention to detail, and great communication skills.
To book your place on our Bus/Coach Instructor or Bus/Coach Assessor courses, contact our team today by emailing academy@rtitb.com or calling us on +44(0)1952 520214.