Because coach driving is an aging workforce, one easy approach to get young people interested in the industry would be for coach operators to offer driver presentations at their depots for local schools or groups.
This “open day” would be fun and informative to visitors, especially the children, who would get a tour of the coach, its many features and perhaps a ride. To encourage attendance, discounts could be offered for future trips, which in turn would also be a great marketing opportunity.
Another option would be to arrange a similar presentation at local schools allowing the children to see the vehicles up close. The driver’s presentations would emphasise the professional role of ‘coach drivers’, their many responsibilities, and the interesting places they visit and people they meet.
For instance, the presentation could explain that coach drivers’ responsibilities are similar to those of airline pilots, train drivers, captains of ships etc., their most important task is to ensure their passengers’ safety and that of the coach.
Drivers are responsible for up to 80+ passengers onboard and a coach costing as much as £500k. In this manner, the coach driver’s occupation can be presented as a skilled professional career.
Just something to consider.
Karl Lapage, MD Coach Direct, Rayleigh
