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There's an oft-used metaphor that compares life's journey to a long road trip. There are twists, turns, bumps, valleys, hills, and impressive vistas around every corner. Along the way you gain all kinds of experience and meet a vast variety of people.
Becoming a Utah Transit Authority (commonly referred to as UTA) bus operator puts you directly in the driver's seat of your life's journey. Those who choose this path, find it can have a significant, positive impact in their passengers lives and on their own future.
Tuition Assistance
For instance, a position as a UTA bus operator will "drive" you to further success through its tuition assistance program which will contribute scholarship funds towards whichever higher learning opportunities you pursue. Qualified applicants would not only be supporting themselves through work, they'd also be supporting a brighter future for their families. Having a parent who has received a college education means your kids could have someone with experience to whom they can turn for an example and advice.
If, however, your children become first generation college students, they're more likely to dropout without receiving a college degree, according to an article by Concordia University. They're also more likely to start college at a later age, have dependents, and be single parents, which means they must attend college part-time in order to making a living to support their family. It's a much more difficult path.
High hourly pay
There aren't many entry level positions out there not requiring a college degree that will start you much above minimum wage. However, as of October 2015, UTA bus operators make $15 per hour after training, more than twice the current minimum wage rate of $7.25 in the state of Utah. And by the end of five years of working for UTA, you're guaranteed to be making $21 per hour.
Free passes
Who doesn't love the idea of free transportation? With high fuel costs and the price of purchasing and maintaining a car, having a free UTA pass can make a big impact on the family budget. Bus operators and their immediate family members are entitled to free passes for the duration of the driver's employment.
More benefits
In addition to these benefits, you can also enjoy medical, dental, and vision insurance, vacation days, retirement, and fitness incentives. Angel Ortiz, a current bus operator, said in a video interview with UTA, "I do, I like my job." He also said his job works well with being a single dad of two kids. "I play with them, I feed them." Ortiz went on, "In the middle of my splits I go home and help out."
Angel enjoys the variety as well. "You get to go around the whole city. Meet people, you get to interact with people. You see a lot of things that people don't see," he said. It's a job that has and will continue benefit him and his family.
Take the next right on your road of life. Apply today to become a bus operator with UTA.
