11/06/2024 - Driving buses at just 19, Tobi is the wheel deal
Talented teenager Tobi Dekker has clocked up another milestone on his career journey by qualifying as a bus driver at the age of just 19.
Tobi has gained his passenger carrying vehicle (PCV) licence and now drives school buses and public services for his employer, Stockport-based operator Belle Vue Manchester.
The young bus enthusiast began working at Belle Vue in the evenings after school, initially helping to clean the company’s fleet of vehicles.
His knowledge and passion soon led to him being seconded to Belle Vue’s operations team to work on route planning and, after taking his GCSEs in the summer of 2021, he was given a full-time job as a transport consultant.
Tobi has now fulfilled a dream by obtaining his PCV licence after passing all of his tests at the first time of asking. He passed his car driving test in December 2022 at the age of 18.
In addition to his role as a transport consultant, he regularly gets behind the wheel of school buses on Greater Manchester routes and on public services operated by Belle Vue, such as the 391 and 392 between Stockport and Macclesfield and the 280 between Altrincham and Partington.
On the days he is driving, Tobi begins work at 5.30am but the early start does not faze him.
He said: “It hardly feels like I’m working when I’m on driving duties because I enjoy it so much. It’s a dream come true.
“It’s great to be out on the road and meeting the passengers. Belle Vue prides itself on having a great rapport with passengers, and I love being part of that. People often comment how nice it is to see a young driver.
“However, I do a lot more at Belle Vue besides driving – I also have a lot of experience of working in the office on the operational side of the business and helping to ensure our services run as smoothly as possible.
“I get the best of both worlds in an industry that I love, and I would encourage anyone who is interested in a career in transport to go for it – it’s always great to be doing a job you enjoy.”
Phil Hitchen, managing director of Belle Vue, said: “From his days as a school student, Tobi has advanced with the company through roles as a bus planner and operations assistant, and has now attained his goal of qualifying as a bus driver.
“We pride ourselves on fostering talent and giving our team members the support and opportunities they need to thrive, and Tobi’s journey is an inspiration. He’s a shining example of growth and dedication within our company.
“He’s been eager to immerse himself in the world of buses, has a true passion for the industry and an unwavering commitment. He’s demonstrated remarkable progress at every turn, from assisting with day-to-day tasks to learning the intricacies of our operations, and he plays a multifaceted role as a transport consultant.
“His encyclopaedic knowledge of our routes, coupled with his attention to detail, ensures that our operations run smoothly day in and day out. He’s an integral part of our team.
“His achievement in qualifying as a bus driver is not just a testament to his hard work, but also highlights his determination to excel in his role and his versatility.
“We’re immensely proud of his journey and achievements, and we look forward to supporting him as he continues to progress his career with us. He has a bright future ahead in the bus industry.”
Tobi is now setting his sights on the next stage of his career progression - gaining the Certificate of Professional Competence qualification for transport managers.