Now that many long-term unemployed people in Belgium are losing their allowance, the bus and coach sector is calling on them to become bus drivers. The industry is facing a severe staff shortage and has 530 vacancies. The 374 companies in the sector, united in the FBAA sector federation, are even willing to finance the training.

“Anyone who likes to drive and enjoys contact with people can become a driver,” says the FBAA. All you need is a D driving license and a certificate of professional competence. “What’s more, you literally help people get ahead,” reads one of the four profiles outlined on the website www.bechauffeur.be, ranging from school and public transport drivers to day trip and international travel drivers.

Compensation for costs

Given the high cost of driver training, the sector is even willing to compensate serious candidates for most or all of these costs. This financing is usually provided through the Bus & Car Social Fund and specific premiums from the FBAA.

Companies can receive a refund of the proven costs for their new drivers, up to approximately €1,400. In addition to support from the Social Fund, the FBAA often offers an additional incentive of around €1,600 to member companies.

‘Free’ training

Because employers are reimbursed for these costs, they can offer prospective drivers ‘free’ training in exchange for a commitment to work for them. Usually, after obtaining your driver’s license, you must continue to work in the sector for at least six months. If you leave earlier, a repayment arrangement may apply.

The average gross salary of a bus driver in a private company in Flanders is €3,029 per month, plus a net bonus of €513 for a coach driver with no experience, €3,534 for a line bus driver with no experience, and €4,131 for a line bus driver with more than 20 years of experience. Interested parties can submit their application via the website www.bechauffeur.be