Ailie

About You

What is your name and depot/location?

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

What were you doing before joining the Academy?

What made you decide to become a PCV Driver?

Office life was becoming depressing, and I was looking for a career change. I had been doing some parcel delivery at weekends and enjoyed being out on the roads, meeting new people every day and seeing different sights. So driving buses made sense and ticked all those boxes.

Why did you choose the Rotala Training Academy?

A family member had worked at the same depot some years ago and trained with the Academy. I’d seen the training buses out on the roads too.

What were your first impressions of the training programme?

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

It surprised me at first that there is no pressure to rush. Safety and service come first.

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

I wasn’t quite getting the right road positioning at times and was too conscious of the instructors’ responses. I asked them not to give verbal instructions unless necessary and began telling myself what to do in my mind. This gave me the confidence to correct my positioning and make better decisions.

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

Full details of the Academy training came through in advance, so we knew what to expect. The trainers have a keen eye for people’s strengths and where improvements are needed. They gave daily feedback and encouraged us to self-assess too. They set realistic expectations about our readiness for testing and only put us forward once they, and we, felt ready.

What part of the training did you enjoy the most?

Learning new skills and gaining my qualification amongst a diverse group of people. We fully supported each other throughout, and I have kept in touch with some people who went on to different depots.

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

I start my day signing on at the depot, saying a quick hello to my colleagues, checking the bus and heading out on my first routes. Out on the route, there are always engaging moments: greeting customers, dealing with challenges on the roads and, of course, smiling and waving as colleagues pass. After a break, I’ll be out again, usually on a different route. Sometimes I’ll be driving different sizes or models of buses throughout the day. Then, after the last route, it’s back to the depot to cash in and say goodbye.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

Variety. The people, the scenery and the situations. My colleagues are fantastic, the majority of customers are kind and patient, and no day is ever the same.

What has been your proudest achievement since passing your test?

I was nominated by a colleague and received a certificate of recognition for handling a difficult situation after the bus was vandalised while in service with passengers on board.

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

You’ll have a fantastic time, pick up new skills and gain a career you’ll be proud of.

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

Of course, it feels scary at first, but you will improve quickly. Take some time to understand your learning style and don’t be afraid to ask the instructors for what you need. You can do this!

Why would you recommend the Rotala Training Academy to others?

The instructors will make you feel welcome and relaxed from day one. They got to know us as individuals, we had a laugh and the occasional foodie stop, so it wasn’t boring at all. It’s clear they are there to help us succeed, and they communicated with each other to collectively support us.