Revved up and raring to go
Lothian looking for new drivers to sign up for four weeks of training
TWO OF THE newest bus drivers at Longstone Garage were nearly at the end of their four-week long training programme, and both were brimming with confidence about their own driving ability. By the time we go to press you might just see them on some of the single decker routes. All new drivers are allocated to these buses on routes 30,36 and 38 first before graduating to a double decker after about a year or so.
Recruits undergo rigorous training at Lothian with everything from theory to practical experience thrown in to the lessons and tests.
The company needs new members of staff and are holding an open day on 28 January. With around 1,700 drivers Lothian can cover all shifts, but there is little wriggle room if any drivers are ill or on leave. If you are aged around 19 or over, and have a clean driving licence then apply now or attend the Open Day. New drivers can earn from £13 an hour upwards, and the shift patterns are very flexible and include part-time work.
Craig Skirving is a former postie who recently qualified as a bus driver having been put through his paces by the former bus drivers who comprise the eight-strong training team at the bus company.
The 24-year-old said he is looking forward to being warm and cosy on a bus from now on, rather than delivering mail in all kinds of Scottish weather.
Craig feels that the training he has been given has more than prepared him for his new role, and he explained his change of career: "Well, a company the size of Lothian, it's a good company, and I had thought for a long time about becoming a bus driver. Then I saw the Open Day advertised on Facebook and that prompted me to apply. I finished being a postman on a Friday and the following Monday I started here straight away.
"It is great to drive a bus around Edinburgh - some bits I haven't seen before. But I know the streets pretty well from my previous job. I like that I will be working on my own - apart from the passengers of course.”
Holly Aitken (26) is a local mum - with the youngest of her children a baby of just eight months. She applied about three months ago and was very keen to get on the road.
The final five days deals with customer care, as Holly commented it's all about "making sure the passengers get a comfortable ride wherever they're going".
She explained: "I'll be based at Longstone and I feel quite confident about starting my first shift from here. The trainers are really good and if you ever struggle with anything then they are really reassuring.
"I was a delivery driver for a chippie before this, so have a lot of driving experience. With the shifts, I will be able to plan quite easily the childcare I need to have covered well in advance. I have a supportive family with my mum who helps out a lot, and my partner who runs his own business.
“I enjoy driving and the shifts will be easily to work around - and also being paid weekly it will make it quite easy to manage.”
And Holly also gave the Lothian uniform her seal of approval - which she thinks is “quite smart and very cosy”.