Oxford Bus Company offers fast-track recruitment with drop-in open day

Oxford Bus Company is opening the doors to its depot in Cowley on Sunday to offer job hunters the opportunity to train to become a bus driver.

The drop-in event will allow people to learn more about a potential career as a bus driver and secure a job via a fast-track scheme. Potential candidates will be able to take a tour of the depot and ask existing staff questions and fast-track their applications. 

Trainee drivers will receive a PCV medical assessment for free, while existing PCV holders will be given a £3,000 bonus*. 

Bus and coach drivers play a key role in upholding the UK’s public transport system and are at the heart of their local communities. Being a bus driver helps keep people connected to their friends and families as well as ensuring they can access essential services and travel to work, school or other training opportunities.

Oxford Bus Company has run a series of proactive recruitment campaigns locally to boost its workforce and overcome a national driver shortage. As part of the campaign it has launched a ‘Get in the Driver’s Seat’ recruitment video which can be viewed here. 

Luke Marion, Oxford Bus Company Managing Director, said “Bus and coach drivers perform vital roles in the communities they serve. Public transport is key in connecting communities as well as reducing congestion and improving air quality.

“We offer stable, long-term employment at competitive rates of pay. Being a bus driver is a rewarding job and this is reflected in the long years of service of many of our colleagues.

“Recruitment remains a challenge across many sectors including public transport and our proactive, modern approach has helped us positively develop our workforce. We are seeking people with great customer service skills, and fully paid training will be provided to successful applicants.”

Candidates need to have held a UK manual driving licence for 12 months and have good customer service experience and communication skills.

Oxford Bus Company offers a variety of full and part time shift patterns to accommodate different lifestyles. Candidates receive comprehensive training from experienced instructors. Once qualified, can earn more than £36,000 a year, with increased rates of pay on weekends and opportunities for overtime.

Additional benefits include free bus travel for immediate family members, retail, leisure and health club discounts and a refer a friend scheme.

The open day will take place between 10am and 3pm at Oxford Bus Company’s Cowley House depot, Watlington Road, Oxford.

Those travelling to the event from the city centre can board the city11X service for free.

For more information or to apply directly online, visit the link below:

https://www.oxfordbus.co.uk/obc-recruitment-day

*bonus subject to holding a valid 12 months CPC licence