SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC NEWS) — With just six weeks until the first day of classes, the transportation partner of the Syracuse City School District held their first-ever in-person hiring event. On Wednesday, First Student let potential new drivers get behind the wheel in a Destiny USA parking lot.
The national bus driver shortage is impacting several Central New York school districts, including Syracuse. First Student staff members hoped that by getting sit in the driver’s seat, interested people would be more likely to apply for open positions.
“That’s why we’re doing this event because everyone is scared of the size of the buses,” said Tyrone Jackson, First Student Safety Supervisor. Jackson, a ten-year veteran driver now in a staff position, found himself back behind the wheel this past year to fill employment gaps after drivers left due to fear of COVID-19.
Over 20 people had a chance to steer the bus, including Veronica Chapman. The mother of three said she’d feel comfortable driving children to school amidst the changing COVID recommendations from the Center for Disease Control. “As long as I keep the mask on. They have their masks on too.”
After taking a lap around the parking lot with the help of a current First Student staff member, interested drivers could apply for a job on site. Central New York Driver Recruiter Robin Hansen said “my ideal candidate is actually anyone 21 and older that has a wonderful driving history already.”
Applicants with Commercial Driver’s Licenses credentials were preferred, but Hansen said First Student will train all qualified candidates in the next month before school starts in September.
First Student is accepting applications on their website if interested drivers were unable to attend the event in person. The starting salary for new drivers is $21.36 per hour and until August 15th, credentialled drivers could qualify for a $5,000 signing bonus.
