A Wellington bus company is recruiting students amid a shortage of bus drivers.
Tranzurban is short by almost 40 drivers, leading to reduced services and cancelled routes. This prompted the company to target university students.
One such recruit is Ethan Hakopa, 23, who began driving buses a year ago while he finished his degree. He recently switched to the role of recruitment advisor.
“The first time I drove a bus, the biggest thing I’d ever driven before that was a van,” he told RNZ News.
“When I went on to the larger ones, it was pretty intimidating, but once you get the hang of it, it’s really fun – I really enjoy it.
“You kind of have this idea that it’s for older people, which is kind of false now, because we actually have quite a few young drivers.”
He said the pay started at $27 an hour and all applicants needed was their full driver’s license. Training and heavy vehicle licensing were done through the company.
A spokesperson for Tranzurban said the job provided students with important life skills, such as safe driving, decision-making, assessing risk, responsibility, teamwork and customer service.
Furthermore, the timetable often suited students.
“They don’t have to go and work in jobs where they’re out all night.”
