Getting started
There are around 1, 220,000 people employed in the bus and coach East of England area and as drivers are currently an 'ageing workforce', it is predicted that there will be a need to recruit around 30,000 drivers a year over the next few years. Eighty per cent of employment in the bus industry is represented by six main companies - Arriva, First, Go-Ahead, National Express, Stagecoach and Transdev. There are vacancies throughout the UK.

Companies employing drivers may run local bus services, long distance touring coaches, or both. Other companies specialise in short ferrying services for special groups. Those working with vulnerable groups of people must provide evidence that they have no criminal record.
Jobs may be advertised in the local press, in Connexions centres and Jobcentre Plus offices, and on the websites of bus and coach companies.
Entry for young people

There are no formal entry requirements, although employers may prefer some GCSEs/S grades (A-C/1-3), particularly in English and maths.
The essential qualification for driving any kind of bus or coach is the PCV licence. To train for this licence, a full UK driving licence is required.

Trainee drivers usually need to be 18 or over (sometimes 21 or over), with a full, current, clean driving licence and must be in good health. A full medical is part of the recruitment and training process.
Many companies give entrants PCV training while paying them a trainee wage. Individuals who wish to arrange and pay for their own lessons and test can contact the Driving Standards Agency for further details. Application forms are available in local post offices.

Entry for adults
In some areas, there are special training courses for registered unemployed jobseekers. Details are available in Jobcentre Plus offices.
Some companies only employ drivers who are already qualified. They often stipulate that the PCV licence should have no more than six points on it, and applicants may have to pass a driving test and an arithmetic test.

Training
PCV driver training lasts about four to five weeks and includes a practical and theoretical driving test, as well as a medical examination.

Drivers also receive induction training, which includes operating ticket machines, becoming familiar with the route, customer care, disability awareness, defensive driving and health and safety matters.

Bus/coach drivers can work towards further qualifications while working. Under new EU laws, from September 2008 existing professional PCV and large goods vehicle (LGV) drivers will have to train for a Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) and do 35 hours of training every five years. There are several NVQs/SVQs related to the bus and coach industry, including an NVQ/SVQ Level 2 in Road Passenger Transport.

Getting on
After gaining a PCV licence, a driver can drive any bus or coach. They can progress to become a supervisor, service controller or inspector, manager or driving instructor.