Chris Kerry - FIFO Bus Driver
One of Sodexo’s newest bus drivers through the Transport Training Pathways Program, Chris shares that this drastic career change has altered his life for the better
Chris knew it was time for a change.
“I happened to know someone at Sodexo who referred me to FIFO,” he said.
“I was in the right place at the right time, and next thing I knew I was up on-site and working.”
Chris was hired by Sodexo as a Fly-In, Fly-Out (FIFO) storeman in the catering department. A short while after, Sodexo rolled out its Transport Training Pathways Program.
On a spur the moment decision Chris put his hat in the ring.
A couple of weeks later, he was told he was accepted into the program and would be attending Sodexo’s Perth office for training.
“The process was intensive, but Sodexo was supportive the whole way through,” Chris said.
It is one of the best things that has ever happened to me in my working career. No one has gone out and done what Sodexo has done for me. They took a leap of faith in me and have given me an opportunity that has changed my life.”
The training is broken up into three phases where participants go through the process of receiving their Heavy Rigid Licence and Bus Competency, First Aid qualifications, and safety training prior to having a soft landing on-site.
Now four months into being a certified bus driver, Chris is thriving and positive about his future prospects.
I’m incredibly supportive of the program. It has been a fantastic experience in my life, and I really mean that,” he said.
“As someone in their mid to late forties, to get a chance like this is incredible, and it doesn’t come along with too many companies.”
Chris believes that there are opportunities every day to learn and grow, acknowledging that even at his age he is continually learning and looking for the next exciting opportunity.
“I have new energy for the job and for FIFO. Yes, I am away from home for two weeks at a time and I miss my friends and my family, but I have goals that are becoming possibilities now that I have this job,” he said.
“I thought I would only be doing FIFO for a short time to get a bit of coin, but with Sodexo, I feel like I really have something here.
Starting my career as a bus driver, I didn’t expect to gain job prospects for the rest of my life.”
Every day brings something new for Chris, which is something he is grateful for, sharing that every swing is refreshing in different ways.
To anyone considering the bus driver course with Sodexo, I would tell them to just do it – it is that simple,” he said.
From a snap decision, Chris never anticipated the enjoyment and fulfilment he gets from his role as a bus driver. Now, he is proud to share that thanks to this role with Sodexo he is in a position where he is looking to purchase his first home.
I think it says a lot about what I have found with Sodexo that after 20 to 30 years of working, I am now in a comfortable place where I can look at owning property,” he said, “and that is really exciting.”
