Local bus operator, First Borders, confirmed today that it has launched a major recruitment campaign as it looks to improve services for its customers. The company has created 20 positions which are available immediately and hopes to recruit additional drivers in the New Year.
The recruitment campaign complements service improvements that First plans to implement in the Borders in the New Year.
The news from First, a major employer in the area with 120 staff based at its Galashiels headquarters, was welcomed today by local politician, Councillor John Mitchell. He said: “It’s very encouraging to see First strengthen its driver establishment – it’s good news for the local economy. I’m also pleased to see that First has plans to put in place some service improvements in the New Year – that is promising news for bus customers in the area.”
Operations Director of First, John Gorman, said: “Building on our £1.5m investment in ten new buses in the Borders earlier this year, we have ambitious plans to improve our network in the New Year, which we’ll confirm in the next few weeks.
“The positive service changes will require more drivers and therefore I am very pleased to be recruiting 20 new driving positions to operate from our Galashiels depot. These are immediate vacancies and we are likely to recruit even more drivers over the course of the next 12 months.”
“We are providing our passengers in the Borders with a reliable, punctual and consistent bus service. We want to encourage more people on to our buses and we recognise that continuing to provide good quality drivers is just as important as delivering a good service. We’re looking forward to seeing potential candidates at our recruitment week.”
First Borders has organised a recruitment week at Galashiels Bus Station where staff and drivers will be on hand to answer any questions that potential candidates may have. Each successful applicant will undergo an industry leading training programme before driving buses for First.
Successful candidates will have the opportunity to earn a competitive salary and will enjoy access to First’s award winning employees share save and pension schemes.
The recruitment week started Wednesday 20 November and runs to Tuesday 26 November inclusive. Mon - Fri times 1200 - 2000 hours, Sat/Sun 1000 - 1800 hours.