South Bend Schools to host 'Hop On and Hire' career day amid bus driver shortage

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- This weekend South Bend Schools are offering an opportunity to get behind the wheel through a bus driver hiring event.

"I think this is a job that is very rewarding. It's very fun. And to be able to have a job, a career, that you can enjoy what you're doing, and at the same time get paid for it, I think it's a blessing, and the fact that you're able to make that impact on someone else's life speaks at great volume," Assistant Director of Transportation at South Bend Community School Corporation Manny Villa said.

The 'Hop On and Hire' event takes place Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon at the Vehicle Maintenance Facility on Bendix Drive.

Attendees will have the chance to drive a school bus under the supervision of experienced trainers. On-the-job interviews will also take place.

South Bend Schools offers free training to help new drivers get certified.

If you already have a CDL, it's encouraged to bring. If not, just bring your driver’s license, and they’ll guide you through the rest.

"We need good people who are going to take care of our kids. You may be the first smile they see of the day, and you may have the longest lasting impact on their lives," Transportation Trainer Coordinator at South Bend Community School Corporation David Tartt said.