ISLAND COACHWAYS will remain central to the Environment Department’s strategy of getting more islanders on buses. The States resolved in April to keep the bus company on. Its contract has been extended for six months, while a new five-year contract is to be drawn up and granted in January.

The anticipated continued increase in bus use has seen the company appoint a new fleet manager.

Tom Wilson trained as a mechanic at GuernseyBus from 1992 to 1997, but left the company to become an electrical engineer and then worked abroad.

On his return to Guernsey, he worked briefly as an accounts manager but realised he wanted to return to the work he loved during his apprenticeship years.

As fleet manager at Island Coachways, Mr Wilson is responsible for servicing, maintaining and repairing the 53-strong fleet of vehicles and is in charge of a staff of 10.

As an ex-apprentice, he recently attended the College of Further Education’s awards and was encouraged to see how the scheme had developed and was helping people to learn skills in a range of careers.

‘I was lucky enough to have the full support of my then employer, which really helped. Being an apprentice allows you to learn and get a feel for a job in a hands-on way – something which sitting in a classroom doesn’t necessarily give you,’ he said.

‘I really enjoyed my time as an apprentice and it has ultimately helped me nine years later to get the job of fleet manager at Island Coachways,’ he said.

Island Coachways currently has one first-year and two fifth-year apprentices working in the garage.

‘As a company, we have always been supportive of the scheme as I think it is extremely worthwhile and valuable,’ said Island Coachways managing director Hannah Beacom.

‘I am delighted to welcome Tom to the team and I am sure his background training as an apprentice will prove invaluable.’