JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The 2024–2025 school year is almost here, and one bus company is already gearing up.
The Student Transportation of America partnered with Goodwill Friday to recruit bus drivers to fill positions in the Duval County Public Schools district.
There is a bus driver shortage not only in the Jacksonville area but nationwide. That’s why the Student Transportation of America is holding these recruiting events.
Attendees had the opportunity to talk to recruiters, participate in on-site interviews, and get hands-on experience during Friday’s event.
Last school year, parents and students saw up to an hour of delays starting the first day and it continued throughout the year. On the first day of school, students all through the county were affected.
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Between the district’s two bus contractors—Durham School Services and Student Transportation of America—there were 130 openings out of 800 positions.
News4JAX spoke with Adrienne Jackson, the Student Transportation of America hiring coordinator, who said they are looking to expand their Jacksonville locations.
“Nationwide, you know, there is a shortage of bus drivers. But we have definitely been trying to attack them head-on. We have training classes every single week to kind of get people in the door. This is our first-time event with Goodwill, but we’re definitely partnering with them to do more. So we can get as many people in the door as we possibly can,” Jackson said.
Jackson said they don’t have a specific number of people that they’re looking to hire.
“The more the merrier, to be honest, as big as we can grow as much as we want to grow, and we have an unlimited amount of resources, buses and routes to be able to give out,” Jackson said.
Student Transportation of America is looking for people with their CDL permit but invited anyone interested to fill out an application and they will assist if need be.
They are also giving drivers up to a $3,000 signing bonus.