The latest in the Derby Jobs Live series of recruitment events will help people find out more about life as a bus driver. Derby City Council’s Economic Growth Service has teamed up with trentbarton, one of Derbyshire’s largest transport companies, to showcase 38 vacancies at the company’s Derby depot and over 150 across the East Midlands. Applicants don’t need a passenger-carrying vehicle licence as full training will be provided, but they must have a full car licence and at least 12 months’ driving experience. Those who successfully complete roughly eight to 10 weeks of training can expect a starting salary of around £22,000, rising to an average of £26,500 after 12 months. During the one-hour session on Wednesday 16 March, potential new recruits can ask any questions they have about the jobs and find out more about what the training involves, to see if it’s the career for them. They will also hear about a three-day Customer Service and Employability course delivered by the Derby Adult Learning Service (DALS) that ends with a guaranteed interview and how it helped a current trentbarton bus driver secure work. Derby Jobs Live is a series of recruitment events introduced to address changes in the labour market affecting many sectors as the country emerges from the pandemic. Councillor Evonne Williams, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Skills at Derby City Council, said: “We’re pleased to work with trentbarton to recruit more drivers and create a diverse, skilled workforce reflecting the needs of our city. Buses are a vital form of transport and many people rely on them to stay connected with family and friends, access essential services and travel to work or school. “It’s important that we have drivers trained and in place so that as we emerge from the pandemic and demand rises, operators can get our services back to where they were.” Jeff Counsell, Managing Director at trentbarton, said: “We’re looking for people who are new to the bus industry and enjoy working with people. We’ll provide all the training you will need, not only to get your bus licence, but also how to deliver excellent customer service. “You’ll become part of a close-knit team providing a vital public service and working for an industry leader that pays well. We also offer great employee benefits, such as gym and retail discounts, and provide ongoing training and career development opportunities.”

East Midlands Railway (EMR) has supported a project to produce artwork that promotes the history and heritage of Lincoln. The six pieces of artwork, which are now on display next to platform five at the city’s station, were designed in collaboration with local artist Mel Langton and pupils from Hospital School, the National Citizen Service and Lincoln City Foundation. The striking artwork includes designs featuring Lincoln Castle, the cathedral, Newport Arch and Lincoln City Football Club, while one piece of art depicts the railway network, and another reflects the history of Lincoln being the birthplace of the tank. They were devised over several months in a bid to brighten up a section of the station and give customers an insight into the culture and history of Lincoln. The artwork was sponsored by EMR, Community Rail Network and North Notts & Lincs Community Partnership, as well as Lincoln City Foundation and The Rotary Club of Lincoln Colonia. Tamsin, who is in year 11 at Lincoln Christ Hospital School, said: “Taking part in this community project was a wonderful experience, seeing it all come together was a dream.” While her classmate Caitlin said: “I’ve enjoyed every moment of this amazing project. I am grateful that I was given the chance to work alongside a real artist, to create something that all of us, as a community, can enjoy for years to come.” Elaine Porter, Art Teacher at Lincoln Christ Hospital School, said: “Working with EMR and Mel has had a significant impact on the Year 11 Creative Arts Enrichment Group. It provided them with the opportunity to develop their skills in digital art, taking their artwork out of the classroom and into the community.” Artist Mel Langton said she was delighted to have been chosen to create the artwork and work alongside the pupils. She said: “It is great to be able to help bring some fun and colourful imagery to Lincoln Railway station. “We wanted to produce some vibrant designs that would brighten the station and welcome visitors into Lincoln, whilst sharing a little of our counties history and great places to visit. “Along with designing my own pieces for the project, it was a pleasure working with the schools involved and the LCFC National Citizen Service to create the further three vibrant and diverse designs that are now on display. “I really hope that the artwork will be enjoyed for many years to come.“ Donna Adams, Community Engagement Manager at East Midlands Railway, said: “Everyone involved in this project should feel very proud and we would like to thank all the volunteers for their help and time. “The artwork is a lovely addition to the station, it not only brightens up the area, but also manages to highlight the rich history, heritage and wonderful landmarks that the city has to offer.” The Rotary Club of Lincoln Colonia adopted Lincoln station five years ago and has been busy transforming the disused platform, clearing weeds and picking up litter. Peter Harrold, from the The Rotary Club of Lincoln Colonia, said: “We spoke with the station manger and formed an adoption group to see what could be done. The platform has been transformed and the artwork is the icing on the cake. “Titled ‘Romans to Railways, the artworks feature Lincoln’s Roman and Industrial past, including references to the first tank which was built here in Lincoln and the importance of railways to the city. Lincoln’s famous football club, the Imps, is not forgotten either.”