Role: Translink Metro Bus Driver
Company: Translink
Track Record:
A career as a Translink Metro bus driver has brought new challenges and job satisfaction for Clare McGowan
Give a brief outline of your career to date.
I started my career as a CAD (Computer Aided Design) technician in an architects’ firm in the North West where I’m originally from but this was only part-time and I was keen to move to a full-time position. Translink offered that opportunity and I’ve now been a Metro bus driver for over a year based in Newtownabbey depot.
What was your favourite subject at school?
I’m a very creative person so Art was definitely my favourite subject and I still enjoy watercolours and pencil sketching – I always carry a small note book in case inspiration strikes!
Did you go on to further/ higher education, if so what did you study and where?
I completed a HND in Spatial Design and a HNC in Construction Engineering both at the North West Regional College.
How did you get into your area of work?
When I saw Translink was looking for bus drivers it appealed to me and when I researched the business I thought it offered a very attractive opportunity with shift-working offering extra flexibility. I enjoy meeting people and liked the fact that it wasn’t your typical ‘desk job’. I was also very excited about the prospect of driving a bus!
Is this what you always wanted to do?
Bus driving isn’t something I’d say was always in my career plan but now it’s happened I love it. I was actually quite surprised by how much I enjoy bus driving, it never gets boring and every day brings new experiences. It can certainly be an entertaining job too with the mix of customers and colleagues you engage with, making shifts fly by. Translink is a large and varied organisation so there are lots of opportunities for career progression and job stability both of which are important to me. I suppose I’m also breaking stereotypes that bus driving is a male occupation – there’s no aspect of the job that women can’t deliver. All the buses are very modern and easy to drive with power-steering – I actually find it easier to reverse a bus than a car.
Were there any particular essential qualifications or experience needed?
No previous bus driving experience is needed but you must have a car driving licence with a minimum of two years driving experience. You also need to be at least 21-years-old – in order to be able to hold a PCV licence. You should also be available to work shifts plus overtime and weekends in full-time roles. You’ll need to complete an aptitude tests and an interview as part of the selection process too.
What are the main personal skills your job requires?
Good customer care skills are important as you’re always dealing with so many different types of people and you need to be patient and considerate of everyone’s needs. You also need to be safety conscious, have good driving and time management skills plus there’s a level of cash handling too.
What does a typical day entail?
I arrive at Newtownabbey depot and get allocated my bus. I always complete a First Use Safety Check before leaving the depot and following the timetable I’ve been given for that day. My shifts generally average 7–8 hours with a break
What are the best and most challenging aspects of the job?
Driving a bus is definitely the best bit! Being in control of such a large vehicle. I also love being an ambassador for such a recognisable brand. When I’m wearing my uniform I often get asked questions by tourists and enjoy being able to help them make the most of their visit. There’s also a strong team spirit in Translink with a genuine focus on making public transport your first choice for travel in Northern Ireland. It’s great to be part of such a supportive team! There’s also the chance to work at major special events like the Olympics so I’ll definitely be keen to take up future opportunities like this. Traffic in a major city is always going to be a challenge when you’re out on the road every day but that’s where bus lanes come in particularly useful at peak times and it’s great to be able to sail past any traffic jams.
Why is what you do important?
Until you actually drive a bus you don’t realise how dependent so many people are on your service. Translink Metro keeps the city moving and every day I’m taking people to work, school, shopping, attractions which in turns supports a healthy local economy. We’re preparing to introduce Belfast Rapid Transit in September 2018 operating alongside Metro services which will be another important development to bring even more people on board public transport.
What advice would you give anyone looking to follow a similar career path?
I’ve actually been a real advocate for bus driving to my own family and friends – and a few have since applied. I’ve told them it’s important to be customer-focused as it’s not just about driving a bus from A to B. You also need to be safety conscious, show good time-keeping and be prepared to learn on the job. There’s so many routes and bus stops so don’t expect to know everything on your first journey. Of course, you also need to enjoy driving.
If you weren’t doing this what would you like to do?
I’d certainly consider becoming a train driver. Again, I love the idea of being in control of such a powerful vehicle and learning all about the mechanics behind it.
What is the one piece of advice you would give to yourself on your first day?
Don’t panic and don’t be afraid to approach colleagues for advice, reassurance and directions.
Describe your ideal day off.
I enjoy being active outdoors so a nice hike up Cavehill – I’d even bring my sketch pad to capture the views and I’d round the evening off with a good meal in a new restaurant – I’ve a list I’m keen to try.
And finally, what’s the key to any successful job search?
Be open-minded and don’t feel limited by your own qualifications – you can always change direction, complete new training and set new goals.
Translink is currently recruiting for Metro bus and BRT drivers – visit www.translink.co.uk/jobs/ for more details.