- The Zürcher Verkehrsbetriebe (VBZ) have recruited students for the first time with a job advertisement.
- Those who are selected attend a shortened training course of 26 days.
- The unions are critical: they have certain security concerns.
Many can imagine studying and driving a tram as a part-time job. In less than a day, 90 students applied for the advertisement. “That was extremely surprising,” says Florian Schrodt, Head of Recruitment and Personnel Marketing. That is why there is already an application stop. Because a total of four people are hired.
Students should relieve other tram pilots
With the new student job, the VBZ want to come into contact with a young target group at an early stage. On the other hand, the students should, for example, eliminate bottlenecks during the school holidays. “We hope to relieve the burden on colleagues who are already sitting in the tram cockpit,” says Schrodt.
The training begins in August, as the “Tages-Anzeiger” writes. Instead of 43 days, it only lasts 26 days. The students can start as tram pilots at the start of the semester. They will only run on two lines, with one type of tram. “The density of content has decreased as a result,” says Schrodt. Therefore, the shortened training is possible without any problems.
In other cities like Basel or Bern, there is no such thing as public transport companies specifically recruiting students. A shortened training is currently not up for discussion, according to Bernmobil. “Because our tram drivers are used on all types of vehicles throughout the network,” says Head of Communications Rolf Meyer. However, students could go through the normal training program. Individuals have done this.
Legend:
According to the Basel transport company, students in Basel do not drive a tram.
key stone
The Basler Verkehrsbetriebe BVB, on the other hand, could imagine recruiting students in a targeted manner. “We keep discussing it,” says Benjamin Schmid. He heads corporate communications at the Basler Verkehrsbetriebe (BVB). There, training to become a tram pilot takes about two months. “This length of time is difficult for students. That’s why we need to be more flexible here,” says Schmid. The Basel transport company is currently developing various models.
Big disappointment for the unions
In the city of Zurich, the transport company’s plans have sparked skepticism among the trade unions. We heard about it from the media,” says Duri Beer, regional secretary of VPOD Zurich. Despite the obligation to consult, the union was not involved. “We expressed our disappointment in an email to the VBZ.”
In principle, it is a good idea to employ students as the target audience. However, there are certain security concerns. “A shortened training leaves many question marks.” What happens if a student has to make a detour due to an event?
Tested heart, kidney and spirit
Such security concerns are unfounded, counter the VBZ. “We don’t make any compromises when it comes to quality and safety,” says Florian Schrodt. Operations are carefully planned. The students go through the same selection process. “You will be put through your heart, kidneys and spirit just like everyone else.” According to the Federal Office of Transport, the training is on the same level as that of the other tram pilots in terms of safety.