‘Not only is becoming a bus driver a rewarding job, it’s also a long-term career opportunity’: Buslink driver shortage spurs recruitment push

The Territory’ largest bus operator, Buslink NT is ready to hire up to 60 new essential workers over the next 12 months.

THE Territory’s largest bus operator, Buslink NT is ready to hire up to 60 new essential workers, adding around 40 drivers in Darwin and 20 across Humpty Doo, Jabiru and Alice Springs over the next 12 months.

Buslink NT operations general manager Lisa Parker said the opportunity existed for up to 20 school bus drivers to start immediately across Darwin, Humpty Doo and Jabiru depots with additional positions to be filled as vacancies arise during the year.

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To help with the recruitment on today from 9am to noon Buslink is opening its major Darwin depot at Berrimah for the first time to give prospective drivers a rare chance to go behind the scenes.

The Darwin Driver Info Day event will include a Q&A session with the Buslink team and a behind-the-scenes depot tour.

Prospective drivers will be able to take to the road with a qualified driver to experience what being a Buslink trainee would be like and get a taste for the school bus driver lifestyle.

Ms Parker said the bus industry had faced shortages for many years and she saw the Driver Info Day as a great opportunity to welcome people to the industry,

The Territory’s largest bus operator, Buslink NT is ready to hire up to 60 new essential workers. Picture: Supplied

“Especially those considering a switch to a stable career alternative during such tough times,” Ms Parker said.

“Our driver team is made up of people of all ages and stages, including ex police and military, a hairdresser, restaurant owners and chefs, a former sailing instructor and a bouzouki player, who all love what they do.

“In fact, a good percentage of our drivers are semi-retirees who are attracted by the job lifestyle – the flexibility and dependability of the Monday to Friday school term hours as they head into their retirement years.

“Not only is becoming a bus driver a rewarding job, it’s also a long-term career opportunity. All you need for starters are great customer service skills, a car licence and good driving record, and we’ll help you with all the rest.”

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A local operator since 1988, Buslink employs around 250 people, also offering workforce transfer solutions, and charter hire for special events, schools, charities, sporting clubs, and other recreational groups.

Buslink is a subsidiary of ComfortDelGro Corporation Australia (CDC), one of the nation’s largest bus operators, and provides school, urban and charter services for millions of passengers across the Territory.

Spots are limited for the Driver Info Day so early registration is recommended. Register at buslink.com.au/careers/driver-info-day.