The Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT) has announced it will run an industry-wide recruitment initiative next month to help tackle the current driver shortage.
Between 21-27 February the trade body will work with coach and bus operators to run open days and local recruitment drives in order to bring more drivers into the sector.
Members will be equipped with a “myth busting sheet” to fight negative perceptions, and an online map where potential recruits can find local operators. Press release templates will also be provided for use with local media.
An open session with Senior National Account Manager for passenger transport at the Department for Work and Pensions, Carl Widdowson, will be hosted as part of the initiative.
CPT says the recruitment week, which is being supported by the Department for Transport, will be central to encouraging more people to consider careers in the coach and bus sector.
“As we exit the pandemic and seek to grow the number of people travelling by coach and bus, to help us hit important net zero targets it is vital that operators have sufficient drivers to be able to run the services people need,” says CPT Operations Director Keith McNally. “Many drivers once they enter the industry stay for decades and our recruitment week will help showcase the benefits of a career in coach and bus.”
Adds Transport Minister Baroness Vere: “This industry initiative supports the wider work we’re doing to help people become bus drivers, including our measures to make 50,000 more coach, bus and HGV driving tests available each year.”
CPT says there are currently around one in 10 driver jobs vacant across the sector.
Operators looking to find out more about the recruitment week should contact Mr McNally at keith.mcnally@cpt-uk.org
