Glenn De Sousa has progressed from graduate trainee to manager inside a year - after getting on board Oxford Bus Company’s graduate training scheme.
Mr De Sousa fast-tracked his career via the Go-Ahead Group graduate training scheme at Oxford Bus Company, which is designed to inspire young people into the bus industry.
After completing the comprehensive training scheme, which included passing his bus driving test, driving routes in service, along with spending time in operations management in the ticketing department, he became Head of Commercial and Planning for Oxford Bus Company, performing a vital role in network planning and commercial operations for the firm and its sister companies Thames Travel and Carousel Buses.
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Now Mr De Sousa is encouraging other graduates and young people to consider embarking on a career in the bus industry.
He said: "I would recommend the bus industry to all graduates who want to launch their career.
"We’re at the forefront of the communities we serve, not just at Oxford Bus Company but across the industry. There is a huge social and environmental value to what we do.
“It is an exciting time to be part of this industry and there is huge scope for development on a personal level.
"The graduate and internal progression schemes which exist at Oxford Bus Company offer fantastic opportunities for talented young individuals to join the business and develop their careers.”
Mr De Sousa initially followed his passion for buses by reading Transport Management at Aston University. He completed a year-long Year in Industry placement at Oxford Bus Company during his studies and joined its graduate training scheme after he graduated in 2021.
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“I have been passionate about buses from an early age,” said Mr De Sousa.
“My enthusiasm started with an interest in the vehicles and routes.
“As I got older, I developed an interest in the business side and knew that it was something I wanted to get involved in and help shape. Studying Transport Management at university and gaining some real-life experience in the industry in my teen years confirmed my decision to pursue this career.”
He added: “The placement gave me a great foundation to learn about the business and about the wider industry."
Luke Marion, Oxford Bus Company, Thames Travel and Carousel Buses Interim Managing Director said: It’s important we work to inspire people to join the bus industry and help develop the next generation of talent that will take the sector forward. Glenn is a wonderful example of what is possible for people to seize the opportunity and work hard and he is an important member of our team.”
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Oxford Bus Company is currently recruiting bus drivers and is holding a recruitment open day on Sunday between 10am and 2pm at Cowley House, Watlington Road, Oxford. It recently increased trainee rates of pay and its driver joining bonus by £1,000 to £3,000.
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This story was written by Andy Ffrench, he joined the team more than 20 years ago and now covers community news across Oxfordshire.
Get in touch with him by emailing: Andy.ffrench@newsquest.co.uk
Follow him on Twitter @OxMailAndyF
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