We have recently discussed the nationwide problem of finding qualified school bus drivers. Here is an initiative to not only find drivers, but to help people who have served our country.

The Maine Department of Labor (DOL) and the Maine Department of Education (DOE) are partnering on a campaign to offer free training to veterans who are interesting in becoming school bus drivers. The 2017 Maine Hire-A-Vet campaign was unveiled at a job fair held by the Maine DOL on August 29.

The initiative, which is designed to help fill an anticipated shortage of school bus drivers in Maine, offers free training at school districts across the state.

According to a 2015 jointly released report of the U.S. Department of Education, U.S. Department of Transportation, and U.S. Department of Labor, school bus drivers and special-needs bus drivers hold the second highest number of job openings in the nation. The report also identifies a need for bus mechanics and diesel engine specialists.

Although the initiative is specifically geared toward veterans, the free training is available to anyone interested in becoming a school bus driver. In Maine, they are expecting to fill 50 jobs statewide.