Facing an anticipated shortage of about 50 school bus drivers across the state, the Maine departments of education and labor are reaching out to veterans to let them know there’s free training available to those interested in becoming bus drivers.
Maine Department of Labor spokeswoman Julie Rabinowitz says veterans make good school bus driver candidates.
“Because they are very mission-centric and they are often people who have been servicing and protecting our country, and they understand the need to serve and protect our schoolkids,” she says.
Rabinowitz says it can be a good paying job.
“The pay range for school bus drivers in Maine can range between $11 and $25 per hour, and they can also have part-time schedules and earn benefits depending on the districts for which they are working,” she says.
And Rabinowtiz says some districts even offer hiring bonuses. She says those interested can sign up through their career center or contact the Maine Department of Education.
While the initiative is specifically geared toward veterans, the free training is available to anyone interested in becoming a school bus driver.
