School bus driver shortages are a serious issue for school bus companies this summer, and these companies only have a limited amount of time to find, hire and train these drivers before the next school year starts.
Lamers Bus Lines will be hosting a “Drive the Bus” job fair at Meadowview Middle School, 1225 N. Water St., in Sparta, on Tuesday, July 25 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
This event will feature immediate interviews for job seekers, opportunities to talk to current school bus drivers, and a test drive of a big yellow school bus on a closed course with a Lamers Bus Lines trainer. Applicants will be able to see first-hand how to operate a school bus.
“We take great pride in giving back to our local schools and students,” says Allen Lamers, President of Lamers Bus Lines. “Our drive-the-bus event gives families a chance to come out, learn about school bus safety, and see what it takes to be a bus driver.”
In order to be considered for school bus driving positions, candidates will need:
• A good driving record.
• At least 4 years of experience driving ANY vehicle and to be at least 21 years old.
• To pass a pre-employment drug screen and background check.
Lamers Bus Lines is also looking for school bus aides in Sparta. At the open houses, anyone interested in learning more about school bus driving or becoming an aide can stop by, fill out an application, and sit down for an immediate interview.
Transportation companies around the U.S. are experiencing CDL driver shortages but driving for Lamers Bus Lines is a completely different type of CDL driving. Driving school bus allows for flexible schedules and the ability to be home every night. In addition, wages are typically higher than other part-time jobs.
Lamers Bus Lines offers complete, paid driver training. Though previous experience is always appreciated, it isn’t a requirement. All new drivers take part in the Lamers Driving Academy, which includes classroom and behind-the-wheel training so they can become safe and knowledgeable drivers. School Bus driving is an entry-level position and many drivers have moved to coach driving, office staff and management throughout the company.
“Many new school bus drivers are surprised to learn how easy it is to operate a school bus. You need to make allowances for the length and turning – what we call tail swing – but the buses in our fleet all have automatic transmissions, and power steering,” says Sparta Assistant Manager, Bridget Kimpel. “Once you get a chance to get behind the wheel, you’ll realize you were worried about nothing.
Lamers Bus Lines is Wisconsin’s largest family-owned school bus and motor coach company and an exclusive member of the International Motorcoach Group (IMG) — a group dedicated to providing premier ground transportation to each and every client through elevated standards of performance in the areas of safety, maintenance, customer service, driver training, equipment, operations and on-road support. For more information on all of Lamers Bus Lines open positions, please visit GoLamers.com/employment.
Drive the Bus Event Location
Meadowview Middle School
1225 N. Water St., Sparta
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