FROM REALITY TV TO ON THE BUSES
ONE of the candidates featured in new Channel 4 show The Job Interview has revealed his delight at having turned down a post he was offered on the programme – after becoming a bus driver instead.
Ian Nichols had tried to get a role at Neath-based Low Cost Vans in the first episode of the series, which aired last month.
The programme films candidates during real-life job interviews and features different hiring companies each week.
In Ian’s episode five wannabes were filmed as they tried to impress employers for the reality show.
But married 51-year-old Ian, from Ammanford, decided to turn down a role with Low Cost Vans – and is now driving buses around Swansea after making contact with operator First Cym- ru. And the former coal mine mechanic and brush factory worker – a role he was made redundant from – says he loves his new job, which sees him drive around the city centre, as well as to Singleton Hospital and the Liberty Stadium park and ride.
“I am so glad I made the decision not to pursue the role in sales and decided to go and join First Cymru instead,” admitted Ian, after his time on the flyon-the-wall show, which was broadcast on Channel 4 on July 12.
“I am really enjoying the job, meeting lots of people along the way,” added Ian, who won rave reviews for his attitude on social media when the programme was shown.
“My biggest challenge currently is learning all the bus routes in and around Swansea, but I have a great buddy driver who has been helping me with this.
“It was an interesting experience being filmed for Channel 4 but it made me all the more determined to try something different.”
Justin Davies, managing director of First Cymru, said: “We are delighted to welcome Ian on board with us.
“People come to bus driving from all walks of life, and at all ages, making it a really diverse place to work.
“We hope Ian’s example will inspire more people to consider a career as a bus driver – it can be very rewarding, especially if you like being out and about, meeting new people.”