From student to bus driver

At just 19 years old, Kobe Van Vlaenderen is starting his first job as a bus driver. After completing his training at VTI Brugge, two internships at Hansea Torhout and a summer job as a student worker, he is now ready to officially begin his career. “Driving a bus has really become my passion.”

For Kobe, becoming a bus driver was not always the obvious choice. After studying carpentry, he knew one thing for sure: he wanted to take a different path.

“Carpentry just wasn’t for me in the end. Driving a bus appealed to me much more,” Kobe explains. He therefore enrolled in the specialist bus and coach driver programme at VTI Brugge, a decision he has not regretted for a moment.

“The more I drove, the more I enjoyed it. It really became my passion.”

Learning on the job

The course combines theory with plenty of practical experience. Students not only learn how to drive a bus, but also become familiar with driving and rest times and the day-to-day reality of the profession.

During his studies, Kobe joined Hansea Torhout for an internship. His first placement gave him the opportunity to discover how a bus company operates. After obtaining his category D driving licence, he returned for a second internship, this time with the opportunity to get behind the wheel himself.

He worked alongside the team, drove different routes and also discovered that a bus driver’s working day can sometimes start very early.

From intern to colleague

During his internship, Kobe could rely on the support and guidance of experienced drivers. The team spirit also made an immediate impression on him.

“Everyone is very friendly and helpful. As a new driver, you sometimes have a practical question, and there is always someone willing to help. And if I can help someone in return, I’m always happy to do so.”

After his internship, Kobe stayed with Hansea Torhout during the summer as a student worker. In September, he took the next step: officially starting his career as a bus driver.

19 years old: not what passengers always expect

His young age occasionally surprises passengers.

“An older lady once asked me how old I was. When I told her I was 19, her eyes widened,” Kobe laughs. “I actually find that quite funny. I’m also proud that I can already work as a bus driver at my age.”

For Kobe, moments like these are another confirmation that he made the right choice.

From carpentry to bus driver training, from intern to student worker and now a permanent colleague: Kobe has already come a long way in a short period of time.

“I’m really looking forward to getting started properly. To me, this doesn’t just feel like a job. I genuinely enjoy doing it.”

Giving young talent opportunities

For Hansea, Kobe’s story is also a great example of what collaboration with schools and practice-oriented training programmes can achieve.

By giving young people the opportunity to discover the profession during their studies and gain hands-on experience at our depots, we want to make the step into a first job as smooth as possible.