Meet the career changers keeping Buckinghamshire moving
Carousel’s VIP Bus Driver Academy has already helped more than 40 new drivers begin their careers at Carousel Buses, but who are the people stepping behind the wheel, and what support do they receive along the way?
A former care worker, software industry professional and graphic designer might not seem to have much in common. Yet all have taken a new direction in life, each following a different route to Carousel Buses.
Today, they’re helping people get where they need to be while building new careers.
For former carer, Anna, becoming a bus driver had always been one of her goals. “I’ve always dreamt of being a bus driver,” she says.
For Paul, who spent 30 years in the software industry, the route to Carousel was rather different. While job hunting, his mother suggested bus driving as a career option. His initial reaction was: “Why on earth would I want to do that?!”
A short time later, an advert for Carousel Buses caught his eye and sparked his curiosity. “I decided to do something different. I wanted to be more involved in the community.”
It’s not just driving
The first port of call for all new trainee bus drivers is Carousel Buses’ VIP Bus Driver Academy. From classroom to qualified driver, the journey typically takes between eight and ten weeks, although experienced bus and coach drivers complete the training faster.
This is where, as Lead Trainer Gareth explains, many trainees begin the transition from “being a car driver to a professional driver”.
And along the way, instructors and mentors help turn the new recruits into confident professional drivers, ensuring they leave the academy both book smart and road smart.
For some, the support comes as a surprise. As Anna says: “Training was absolutely wonderful. Everything was fully explained.”
The academy also gives trainees a new appreciation of the responsibility that comes with the role. As Nick, graphic designer turned bus driver, puts it: “It’s not just driving. It’s safety, hazards and carrying people safely.”
But the learning doesn’t stop there. Once trainees leave the classroom setting, they spend time on the road with an experienced mentor putting those lessons into practice while learning routes, stops and the day-to-day realities of the job.
As Paul explains: “My mentor had the perfect balance of knowing when to instruct. He could recognise when I was confident on the route, and when to sit back and ask questions.”
We are all one family
As drivers begin working independently, experienced colleagues continue to pass on advice, encouragement and local knowledge. As Paul puts it, once you fly solo, it’s a case of “being out on your own, whilst knowing you’re not on your own.”
He adds: “All the drivers waving to each other. That little acknowledgement is great. Being part of a team.”
That support extends beyond fellow drivers. Nick says: “If I’ve ever got a question, the controllers, instructors, whoever you ask, they’re always willing to help.”
Anna has found that same sense of belonging among her colleagues. “I feel like a fish in water in this bus. I love working with people, and I love my colleagues.”
Nick agrees: “I like working at Carousel. I love the characters you meet. I used to sit in an office, but now I’m out and about every day.”
Instructor Lukasz sums up the culture simply: “The team is really nice. We are all one family!”
Beyond the first stop
Becoming a bus driver can also open up new opportunities, from mentoring new recruits to helping train the next generation of drivers.
For Anna, progression came sooner than expected. “Two months ago, I was offered mentoring. I’d just passed my probation and then they offered me mentoring.”
Lukasz was initially hesitant when colleagues suggested he move into a training role after being a mentor. “I rejected it twice because I was scared about a new role. But it was the best move in my life. I now have a 100% pass rate!”
Today, he helps develop the next generation of drivers and has seen the cycle continue. As Lukasz puts it: “I mentored one driver and he now mentors others!”
According to Gareth, those opportunities often come from recognising people who stand out. “Some drivers stand out to us and get commendations quite a bit from passengers. We know they’re doing their job correctly and we want them to use that knowledge and skill to pass on to others.”
Interested in a career change?
If you’d like to follow in Anna, Paul and Nick’s footsteps, you can find out more about becoming a bus driver at one of Carousel’s fast-track recruitment days for trainees and licence holders, apply online at carouselbuses.co.uk/drive or call 01494 450151.
