The sun eventually shone on the 70th UK Coach Rally in Blackpool during the weekend of 18 and 19 April. Those who witnessed presentation of trophies may have noticed how many young people were among the winners, either individually or as part of operator teams.
Such a position was anchored by Louis Goodwin of Go Goodwins. A fourth generation of the Goodwin coaching family, at 22 years old he became what is said to be the youngest ever winner of Coach Driver of the Year, and also finished first in the Saturday heats.
Louis is equally likely to be the first to take that title in a vehicle older than its driver, care of his 1989 Volvo B10M, itself a winner. His father Wesley’s delight at the accolade, which was claimed alongside several others, was clear.
More multigenerational families were in evidence among entrants, with other employed young staff just as prominent. Some were not part of the competition, but had travelled to Lancashire to observe proceedings and support.
Meanwhile, in winning Coach of the Year, a Van Hool T17 Astron with Sharpes of Nottingham was driven not by a member of the Sharpe family, but by a 23-year old who put in a pair of confident performances behind the wheel in reaching the final. With an audience of peers watching closely, that is no task for the faint of heart, regardless of age.
He was recruited by Sharpes as a cleaner. Having seen promise, the business funded PCV training, with the result that he is now trusted with one of the most imposing – and no doubt expensive – coaches on the road.
Singling out those two young members of the coach industry is unfair to others, however. Among other enthusiastic up-and-comers on hand, some are not yet even old enough to hold a PCV license.
Many times it has been said that coach and bus has a problem with recruiting young people. Some bus operators have found a way around that, but for coach, the 50km, regular service constriction on those aged 18 and 19 remains a problem.
If ever there was a strong argument for that to go as quickly as possible, this year’s coach rally was it. The industry clearly can attract highly competent young people. Perhaps a minister should come along to the next UK Coach Rally and see for themself.
Whether youngsters are entering in sufficient number is another matter, but the argument that skill, nous and training are key to a person’s suitability rather than the date on their birth certificate is crystal clear and compelling.
Communicating the opportunities that exist is critical, as is supporting suitable prospects. Anecdotal evidence from other operators further suggests that good results can be had with the right young recruit. The Blackpool event showed that those people are out there; it also showed that the industry can attract them, and when in, they can do a superb job.
