Carousel Buses has been on a remarkable upward curve over the past year. The network has continued to expand across Buckinghamshire and Berkshire, with more routes, more frequent services and a growing demand for drivers to keep the town and county moving.
That growth is being powered in part by the company’s new local VIP Bus Driver Academy, launched in January. The academy has already trained more than 20 new drivers, with its third cohort now underway, a milestone that has transformed both the business and the lives of the people who’ve stepped through its doors.
“Seeing our first PCV drivers come through the VIP Academy has been nothing short of incredible,” says Operations Manager Jose Rubio Reyes. “The confidence, skills and passion that have grown in such a short time is exactly why we built the academy.”
For the first time, Carousel is able to train drivers on site at its High Wycombe depot, rather than sending them to sister company Oxford Bus Company. The impact has been immediate.
“Training locally makes a massive difference,” Jose explains. “People get to know the team from day one, soak up the atmosphere, and start building confidence on the very routes they’ll be driving. Being local means drivers learn quicker, settle in faster and feel part of the team straight away.”
With the business expanding and more vacancies opening, the academy has become a vital pipeline for local talent, offering well paid, stable jobs with overtime opportunities and a clear path into a long-term career.
“The VIP Academy is a huge part of Carousel’s growth story,” he adds. “We’re developing our own talent, training people locally and getting them ready to hit the ground running. It means we can grow at the pace we need to support our expanded network and keep improving the service we offer to the community.”
New driver Gabriel Ki Kwan So agrees:
“The training is world class. I received excellent individual attention, and the instructor made sure I was completely prepared for the job. I’d highly recommend it to anyone thinking about becoming a bus driver.”
More opportunities than ever before
Carousel now operates more than 100 vehicles and employs over 200 people across its network. With the expansion of services across Buckinghamshire and Berkshire, the company is creating more local jobs than ever before from full time roles to flexible part time positions that fit around family life.
Bus driver training can take as little as six weeks, with trainees receiving full pay throughout the programme. Candidates simply need a manual driving licence held for at least 12 months, along with good communication skills and a customer-focused approach.
Existing PCV licence holders are also in demand, with a £4,000 joining bonus and immediate start dates available.
Becoming part of something bigger
For many new starters, stepping into the depot for the first time is a leap into the unknown. Some have never driven anything bigger than the family car. Others do not know the routes. But very quickly, they realise there is far more to the role than performing safety checks on the buses and driving.
In fact, for many new bus drivers, one of the most rewarding parts of the job is becoming part of the community they serve. They begin to recognise familiar faces on their routes and build relationships with new customers. Commuters greet them by name. Visitors ask for guidance. Colleagues wave to them before starting a shift.
Why people choose this career
While the human side of the job is what often surprises new drivers, many are also drawn to the practical benefits that come with the role. Some are drawn to the variety: the changing routes, the mix of passengers, and the sense that no two days unfold in quite the same way. Others appreciate the stability and benefits, from earning while they learn to free travel, pension contributions and the potential to earn up to £44,000 a year with overtime.
Where can I find out more?
You can find out more in person at one of Carousel’s special fast‑track recruitment days for both trainees and licence holders. These are held regularly at the Holiday Inn at Handy Cross, with upcoming dates announced on the Carousel Buses website.
Jose says: “If you’re interested in joining Carousel Buses, why not drop by and speak to one of our friendly team members at one of our open days. We can’t wait to welcome you to the team!”
You can also apply by filling in the application form on carouselbuses.co.uk/drive or by calling 01494 450151.
