A BUS company is on the lookout for recruits with a ‘zest for life’ to come aboard and help drive Cumbria’s economic recovery post-pandemic.

Stagecoach is gearing up for the year ahead and is now hiring new drivers after putting recruitment on hold last year.

“It’s a fantastic way to build a career in a job where you get to be your own boss, but with the security of working for a large, nationally recognised, employer,” said Tom Waterhouse, operations director at Stagecoach.

“You get a professional qualification, all of the training is done in house, while you’re a fully paid, full-time employee.

“We’ll put you through all your tests and training that you need to be a bus driver.

“We’ve got lots of members of staff who have been with us 15, 20, 25 to 30 years.”

Applicants must be 18 or over and have a full UK car driving licence.

And Mr Waterhouse says the ideal candidate will enjoy working with the public.

“Ideally we’re looking for people who enjoy working with members of the public and who have a zest for life,” he said.

“With a positive outlook and personality.”

Newsquest and LOCALiQ Cumbria have recently teamed up with Stagecoach to launch the Love Local Jobs Tourism and Hospitality campaign.

For the next few weeks businesses with job vacancies in the sector will have free access to Newsquest’s print and online recruitment platforms across its Cumbrian titles; The News & Star, The Mail, The Cumberland News, The Westmorland Gazette, the Times & Star and The Whitehaven News, in a bid to help the county’s businesses get back on their feet after an unprecedented year.

According to Cumbria Tourism, in April 34 per cent of businesses were concerned about recruiting staff due to factors including staff moving on during the pandemic, post-Brexit immigration policy changes, travel restrictions and many businesses hiring at the same time.

Over the last month this issue has escalated sharply across all business types throughout the county, and there are now fears many businesses may not survive if the issues cannot be addressed.

“We see ourselves working hand in hand with the tourism and hospitality sector,” added Mr Waterhouse.

“As the county comes out of Covid the hospitality and tourism sectors are so important to Cumbria that it’s really important we have the right people in those roles and that those vacancies are filled.”

To see all of Stagecoach’s vacancies and to apply visit www.stagecoachbus.com/promos-and-offers/national/careers

For business wishing to take advantage of the Love Local Jobs Tourism and Hospitality campaign contact Chris Proudfoot at christopher.proudfoot@localiq.co.uk stating their business name, contact number and details of vacancies, we will then reach out and get this arranged.