Career Opportunities in the Coach and Bus Industries
The coach industry offers attractive and rewarding career opportunities for those seeking a new vocation, whether you’re taking your first steps into the world of work or looking for a new direction in an industry that quite literally covers the whole of the UK and Europe.
There are more careers in the industry than you might think.
Whilst most staff enter as drivers, there are wider opportunities for operations controllers, and assistants, tour planners, IT specialists, administrators, accountants, technicians, and many more. There are dozens of career paths that support the process of connecting people and places.
Each business will structure their operations according to the specific way in which each operates, the titles of the roles might vary and in some smaller companies, roles will be combined which offers even greater scope for the variety of duties which you might undertake.
How do you get into the industry? Here are some examples:
Coach Driver
Most new entrants to the industry take start as coach drivers, but the term “driver” doesn’t really do justice to the role they play, they are host to a group of travellers and will be the principle contact with customers on board. The job offers opportunities for working locally, this often presents better opportunities for flexible working, or for those who like to travel further and can be away for longer periods, there are opportunities to progress to touring which will take you across the UK and Europe.
Skills you will develop are an ability to work independently and as part of a wider team, even though you may only see your colleagues in person infrequently, the operation depends on everyone working together. Above all, you’ll have a desire to meet people and to give them a really great experience of their time with you.
Ways to get started:
- Training course
- Apprenticeship
Progression routes:
- Senior Driver
- Operations Assistant
- Operations Controller
- Tour Programme Manager
- PCV Driving Instructor
Senior or Lead Driver
A progression for many drivers is to move up to a senior or lead driver. Many operators recognize their most experienced drivers in this way, typically they will have been employed for longer periods, will be experienced and knowledgeable across the full range of work that the business undertakes and will often act as mentors to new entrants or those less experienced.
Some companies also designate them as team leaders with supervisory duties over more junior drivers.
Ways to get started:
- Progression from a driver
Progression routes:
- Operations Controller
- Tour Programme Manager
- PCV Driving Instructor
Operations Assistant
Operations Assistants are usually employed in larger operations to assist the Controllers and Transport Manager. The operations assistant’s duties will vary from company to company but will typically involve the administration of the journeys and driver’s duties, ensuring all the required details are ready in time and briefing the driver on their duties for the day.
Its common in many companies for operations roles to be combined with some driving so those who have progressed from driving can still expect an opportunity to take the wheel from time to time.
Ways to get started:
- Progression from a driver
- Entry as a trainee or apprentice
- Progression from general administration roles
Progression routes:
- Operations Controller
- Scheduler
Operations Controller
The Operation’s Controller will be responsible for the efficient day to day operation of the coach fleet and drivers, ensuring that all bookings have the required vehicle and a driver allocated, that the drivers can undertake the duties within their permitted working/ driving hours and that they are rostered according to the need for rest periods.
Driver’s working and driving hours are strictly controlled and it is the responsibility of the controller to ensure that day to day, drivers work within the rules and that any discrepancies are identified and investigated, and the driver is notified of them. The controller will usually be the first point of contact for drivers on the road if anything goes wrong – breakdowns or anything that may disrupt a journey – so an ability to work under pressure and to take a leading role in dealing with issues is an important aspect of the job.
Ways to get started:
- Progression from a driver
- Progression from an operations assistant
- Progression from general administration roles
Progression routes:
- Transport Manager
- Compliance Manager
- Senior Management
Tour Programme Manager
This role is a key one for any business which runs its own tours, day excursions or other leisure related trips. The role will involve all aspects of planning and running a programme of tours and excursions, as it requires a keen interest in this side of the industry, together with some knowledge of the customer base, it is often associated with those who have had experience on the road as a driver.
The role entails planning the programme as well as individual trips, working to strict budgets, liaising with operations colleagues, organizing marketing material such as brochures and maintaining websites. It will often require arranging hotel accommodation, theatre or attraction tickets and negotiating with suppliers on price and contract issues such as cancellation conditions.
It requires a keen eye for detail and as well as the desk based part of the job, it will entail some travel to view hotels and attractions, attend trade fairs and perhaps promotional activities.
Ways to get started:
- Progression from a driver
- Progression from general administration, sales or marketing roles.
Progression routes:
- Senior Manager
PCV Driving Instructor
Training new coach drivers to the highest level of the skills they require is a real skill in itself. Whilst many drivers have an aptitude for driving, getting the very best out of them and preparing them not only to pass the test, but to excel as a driver once they’ve done so, takes a special kind of person – teacher, mentor, manager and driver rolled into one.
Instructors need a cool head and be excellent communicators, able to reassure nervous students, able to assess their weaknesses and strengths, focus on developing their skills and adapt the training to suit. Above all, they will recognize that their input will play a key part in developing the future of the industry.
Ways to get started:
- Progression from a driver
Progression routes:
- Delegated Examiner in larger companies
- Training Manager
Vehicle Technician
A vehicle technician carries out servicing and maintenance on a firm’s vehicle fleet, ensuring they meet the exacting standards expected of the industry.
They must have an enquiring mind and an eye for detail together with a logical approach to their work. They must also be able to work with the varying workload that a vehicle workshop brings and be able to make decisions when faced with breakdowns and collisions.
Ways to get started:
- Apprenticeships
Progression Routes:
- Workshop supervisor
- Workshop manager
Operations or Transport Manager
As an Operations or Transport Manager (TM) you will be responsible for the overall control, coordination and planning of the vehicle operations. Coach operation is a highly regulated industry and the TM will be required to ensure that all legal requirements for drivers and coaches are met, and that controls are in place to ensure this.
Depending on the size of the business, you may have a more “hands on” role in terms of day to day control of vehicles and drivers but in the larger fleets, TMs generally rely on one or more controllers to undertake the direct control of drivers and vehicles. TM’s must also be commercially aware and always have a keen eye on ways to increase efficiency and reduce costs.
TMs are required to hold a Certificate of Professional Competence in Passenger Transport Operation.
Ways to get started:
- Progression from an Operations Controller
- Direct entry as a graduate trainee with a larger operator
Progression routes:
- Senior Manager or Director
Compliance Manager
This is a role more usually exists in larger operations and will monitor the operations function to ensure policies and procedures are in place to ensure compliance and safety, and to monitor that they are maintained and are being followed.
They will work closely with the department to identify any failures, taking both a pro-active and a reactive approach to analyzing the operational data, investigating failures and introducing measures to ensure that these are not repeated.
They must have a sound knowledge of the rules and regulations, a close eye for detail and a methodical approach.
Ways to get started:
- Progression from an Operations Controller
- Direct entry as a graduate trainee with a larger operator
Progression routes:
- Transport Manager
- Senior Manager or Director
Senior Management/ Company Director
There are a number of roles in senior management or at director level which all of these roles can aspire to. Depending on the scale and structure of the business, these can exist internally or through moving to other companies in the sector. Typically, these could include Operations Director, Commercial Director, General Manager or Managing Director.