SBCSC hosting series of mobile hiring events to get more drivers behind the wheel

 

SOUTH BEND, Ind., --- As school districts across the nation and right here at home struggle to hire bus drivers the South Bend Community School Corporation is hosting a series of mobile hiring events to help get more drivers behind the wheel for the fall.

“I hope it makes it more convenient for the community to go around to the different locations. Anybody that wants to come by and meet me at the bus come by and meet me at the bus have an instant interview I can set them up to give them an application,” explained Ronda Picking, the transportation training supervisor for the school district.

Picking said she hopes the new recruitment method will help combat shortages across the board this fall.

“We’re hiring for mechanics, for call center representatives and for dispatchers,” she explained. “The organization has done a fantastic with going to three tier that really helped as far as being able to stretch the drivers, but we still need drivers you know everyone in the United States needs drivers right now.”

Some of the events even allow people to get a chance in the driver's seat.

"For those Individuals that are interested in bus driving, maybe have thought about it but thought oh boy the vehicle is so big I don’t understand the training process, it’s an invitation to come out to the transportation department at 3003 Bendix Dr. and drive a bus,” she explained.

Labor shortages, particularly of bus drivers, have been a roadblock to keeping kids in schools.

“We need to get some drivers in so that we can continue to serve the community,” said Picking.

There are still three more mobile hiring events happening this summer.

There is also be a chance for folks to come out and practice driving the buses next Saturday and even get commercial driver’s license training if you’re hired.

Information can be found below:

Mobile job interviews:

June 30 & July 14 @ Clay International Academy -- 52900 Lily Road, South Bend

(parking lot facing Cleveland Road)

July 7 @ Jefferson Traditional School -- 528 South Eddy Street, South Bend

(northside employee parking lot facing Eddy Street)

3 - 5 p.m.

Drive a school bus event:

Saturday, July 2, 3003 N. Bendix Drive, South Bend

(Park in the employee parking lot)

10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

For questions contact: Ronda Picking, Transportation Training Supervisor, 574-393-7009