A shortage of school bus drivers now has First Student trying a new tactic to get more applicants – letting potential employees test out driving on a closed course.
Every year, school starts short on bus drivers -- and the problem is getting worse. They’re hoping to start this fall fully staffed for the first time in years, and spent Friday recruiting at the First Student lot in South Seattle.
“We’re experiencing driver shortages -- the whole commercial vehicle industry is,” said Will Zimmerman, a manager with First Student Seattle.
That means longer routes and late buses.
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“They don't think about it as a career and we are trying to break through that,” Zimmerman said.
Bus drivers say another problem is that potential employees are intimidated by the 40-foot vehicles.
“I've seen a shortage and I think it's mainly because some people are afraid,” said Alexis Alexander, who is a teacher but started driving buses last year.
So this year for the first time, they’re letting applicants overcome any fears by actually driving the bus, guided by a trainer on a closed course.
“He did pretty good, a natural,” said Michael Topacio, a trainer and bus driver.
All the "Big bus, no big deal" signs, had this reporter feeling bold and I decided to give it a shot.
It's definitely a challenge at first – there are six mirrors you need to check to cover all the blind spots.
But after a few tips – "Turn when that cone is in the middle of mirror number two," Topacio said.
I got through with no cone causalities.
First Student needs more than 400 bus drivers for the Seattle School District, and right now it’s short about 50 people.
The jobs are part time, but unlike most part-time jobs, they come with benefits and a pension. That’s something First Student fought for during a six-day strike and negotiations in February of this year.
“You’re getting in on the ground floor of a whole new pension program, you’re getting in on the building blocks that’s come from earlier this year,” Zimmerman said. “It’s a great time to get in.”
You also get paid while you're getting the commercial driving license.
There will be one more hiring event just like the one on Friday, on Aug. 17, between 10 a.m. to 4.p.m. It will be at the First Student lot at 8496 5th Avenue South in Seattle.
Cox Media Group
