1x1 of bus driving: Successful start to the qualification of bus drivers

The joint qualification project between the employment agency, job center, driving school Krüssmann (a brand of SBH West GmbH) and STOAG has started. This was preceded by six so-called Look & See Days, where interested parties were able to gain an insight into the everyday working life of a bus driver. The project was initiated to qualify people for work in driving services and at the same time to actively counteract the shortage of skilled workers in the area of ​​public transport.

With over 180 applications to take part in the Look&See Days, the expectations of the cooperation partners were more than exceeded.
A total of 36 people met all the requirements for the qualification measure on time. Training to become bus drivers is now beginning for 16 of them. The special thing about this successful project: It is financed by the employment agency and the participants receive a permanent employment contract with STOAG right from the start.

What are the next steps?

The training began on April 2nd and lasts a total of six months. The first four months take place at the Krüssmann driving school. This is where driving license training is carried out and basic qualifications are acquired, but first aid, traffic geography, legal regulations and automotive technology are also among the training topics. The first route knowledge is acquired at the wheel of the driving school bus. The prospective bus drivers can get a feel for what it's like to drive a 330-horsepower vehicle through Oberhausen. By passing the theoretical test at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IHK) and training at the Krüssmann driving school, all participants receive their bus driving license, class D/DE driving license with proof of driver qualification.

Practical experience in the STOAG bus

The practical training then begins at STOAG. Here the eleven drivers are trained for everyday life behind the wheel of a public bus. Tariffs, route routes, passenger service, radio communication, how to use the on-board computer – all of these topics are trained within two months. The accompaniment of experienced STOAG drivers conveys safety, even on the electric buses.

Second qualification measure in June

“We are pleased about the great interest in this measure and would like to thank all project partners for the good cooperation,” said Werner Overkamp, ​​Managing Director of STOAG. “We wish all participants a good start and much success in their training” and added: “It quickly became clear to everyone involved that we wanted to offer a second training course given the number of suitable applicants.” And so it is expected to be on June 1st 20 more project participants are expected at STOAG, who will have completed their training on December 31st and will have the coveted bus driver's license in their hands.