Go West Tours’ new bus training academy opened for business last week.

Ten participants with no previous experience, began the first week of a three week intensive bus driver training course at the company’s Perth depot.

The course includes classroom and driver training components with written and practical assessments at the end of the course.

Go West Tours developed the course with Strategix Training Group, which places unemployed people registered with Job Services Australia into training.

STG held an information day and people who applied for the training then took part in a selection process to attend the academy.

Go West Tours General Manager David Haoust said at the end of the course participants would receive a Certificate III in Driving Operations – Bus.

“This is a great opportunity for people to re-train, learn new skills and start a new career,” he said.

“Every participant has the opportunity for potential employment with Go West Tours, based at our Pilbara operations.”

David said if the first academy was a success, Go West Tours would hold more training sessions in the future.