Isha

About You

What is your name and depot/location?

• Isha, I’m based at Heathrow Depot.

When did you complete your training with the Rotala Training Academy?

• 17th November 2023.

What were you doing before joining the Academy?

• I was working at Tesco as a baker.

Your Journey

What made you decide to become a PCV Driver?

• I wanted a change in career. My dad is a bus driver and he recommended it.

Why did you choose the Rotala Training Academy?

• My dad works here at Heathrow Depot.

What were your first impressions of the training programme?

• It was very helpful, especially Moodle, the learning platform. There was lots of support available, and there’s always someone to turn to. The accommodation also made it more convenient to study.

The Training Experience

What was the most valuable thing you learned during your training?

• That everyone who gets on your bus is part of somebody’s family, so treat everybody as you would your own family.

What challenges did you face while learning to drive a bus, and how did you overcome them?

• I would say the size of the vehicle. I went from driving a very small car to a bus, and my confidence was initially low.

How did the trainers and Academy team support you throughout your journey?

• The trainer used guidance and coaching to help improve my confidence.

What part of the training did you enjoy the most?

• Learning to reverse a bus.

Your Career Today

What does a typical day look like for you now as a qualified driver?

• When driving, I check my bus to make sure it’s safe and focus on providing great customer service.Since then, I have developed my career further within the depot. As well as being a qualified driver, I now perform key administrative tasks, including private hire bookings, handling complaints and assisting the Commercial Manager with day-to-day responsibilities such as pricing jobs and booking drivers using rotas.I also assist the Operations Support Manager with daily tasks, including fact-finding investigations, report writing, CCTV downloads and investigations, payroll support and cover when needed, lost property management and playing a key role in recruitment.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

• I enjoy the variety. There’s always something different to do.

What has been your proudest achievement since passing your test?

• When I was given a ‘Pocket Hug’ gift from a passenger thanking me for her journey and experience on my bus.

Advice for Future Trainees

What advice would you give to someone considering joining the Academy?

• It’s not for the faint-hearted, but it’s a wonderful learning experience and a skill for life.

What would you say to somebody who lacks confidence about learning to drive a bus?

• When I first got in the seat, I was petrified, so nervous and shaking, but I pushed through. So I would say try it – you won’t know if you don’t try, and you might be surprised at what you can achieve!

Why would you recommend the Rotala Training Academy to others?

• The effort the company puts into the Academy and your development is a really big statement of how important bus drivers are to them.