Bruges (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – A VTI Brugge technical school has launched a bus driver training program due to high demand, directed by Miek Kemel. The program offers 28 lessons, blending theory and practical skills, starting September 1, 2025.
A VTI Brugge Technical School has started a new program to train bus drivers because there is a high demand for them. Director Miek Kemel says the school is connected to the industry and knows that skilled bus drivers are needed. The program helps students gain the skills they need for a career in passenger transport. It is open to anyone who has finished their sixth year of secondary school.
The program includes 28 lessons that mix theory and hands-on training. According to officials, the theory part covers important topics like communication, business skills, and language. These skills are essential for working with passengers. They mentioned that this way, students learn to be good drivers and get ready for the social and professional parts of the job.
“The sector, with which we have a close relationship, indicates that there is a great need for bus drivers,”
Explains director Miek Kemel.
“As a technical school, we try to respond to that. In this way, we can offer our students a very strong offer for the future.”
How does this program prepare students for a career as a bus driver?
The program includes practical training for students to learn how to drive a coach. This gives them real experience with large passenger vehicles. They learn safe driving techniques and also get lessons on how to maintain and fix the vehicles.
According to officials, one important benefit is that students can earn both their bus driving license and their standard driving license at the same time. This helps them find jobs and start their careers with confidence. By mixing hands-on skills with classroom lessons, the program prepares graduates for work in the transportation field.
The VTI Brugge school has a new coach for training. This coach will stay on the campus at Zandstraat. Students will first practice driving on school grounds where it is safe. Later, they will drive on public roads for real experience. Having the coach on campus allows students to get a lot of hands-on training with help from professionals.
Officials mentioned that some students can start the program at 17 years old, but that is fine. By the time they finish, they will be 18 and can get their bus driving license. They will not be able to drive internationally until they turn 21, but that rule will change automatically then.
“They will turn 18 during the training, so they can still get their driver’s license. There is still a restriction on driving abroad, but that will be automatically taken care of once they are 21.”
The school plans to enroll 8 students in the program for the first year. Training will start on September 1, 2025. This program is not just in one place, it will also be available in secondary schools in Diest and Geraardsbergen from the same date. By offering the program in different locations, the school hopes to meet the need for qualified bus drivers.
The school mentioned that this will give more students a chance to work in transportation. With good training and support from the industry, the program wants to build a strong group of skilled drivers to help with the growing demand for transport services.
