Rutland County Council hosts recruitment fairs to tackle driver shortages

More people are being encouraged to get into the travel industry following driver shortages.

Rutland County Council is organising two recruitment events aimed at encouraging more people to consider jobs in the transport sector.

The council directly employs about 30 drivers and transport assistants who help to operate a small fleet of minibuses used for school travel and journeys for adults and children with special educational needs and disabilities.

The council also provides a driver and vehicle for the local Oakham Hopper bus service and relies on specially trained HGV drivers to operate its waste collection vehicles.

The events will allow people to learn about the transport roles at Rutland County Council and will also involve community transport providers, bus companies and taxi operators.

Two separate events are being held in the main council chamber at Rutland County Council’s Oakham offices on Wednesday (August 3) from 11am to 2pm and Saturday (August 6) between 10am and 1pm.

Coun Rosemary Powell (Con), cabinet member for highways and transport, said: “Lots of businesses and organisations in Rutland have found it hard to recruit people to transport roles in recent months.

"However, it remains a great sector full of interesting opportunities. A job in transport can allow you to work locally and earn a competitive salary.

"For some people, it may be a chance to try something completely new or create a better work-life balance."