Establishment of KMB Academy Certificate in Bus Maintenance and Bus Captain Training are recognised by Qualifications Framework

The Kowloon Motor Bus Co. (1933) Ltd. announced that the KMB Academy was officially established on 1 January 2022. It became the first franchised bus company in Hong Kong accredited by the Qualifications Framework providing professional training programmes for franchised bus maintenance personnel and bus captains. “Certificate in Bus Maintenance” and “Certificate in Public Bus (Franchised) Driving” offered by the KMB Academy, were approved by the Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Academic and Vocational Qualifications (HKCCAVQ). They were recognised at Level two and Level three under the Qualifications Framework in Hong Kong (HKQF), respectively, marking a new professional standard for the bus industry in Hong Kong.

The KMB Academy attained its title with the merger between the KMB Bus Captain Training School and KMB Technical Training School. “Mission Safety ž  Act with Self-discipline.” is adopted as the motto of KMB Academy, emphasising the pivotal role of safety and discipline in the industry. The Academy continues to foster the professional culture in the Bus Captain Training School and Technical Training School.

From 1 January 2022, HKCCAVQ has recognised the “Certificate in Bus Maintenance” and “Certificate in Public Bus (Franchised) Driving” offered by the KMB Academy at Level two and Level three of HKQF, the first of the kind to be recognised under HKQF.

Ms Rachel Kwan, KMB Safety Director, is delighted to state that, “KMB has cultivated numerous professional bus captains and maintenance personnel in Hong Kong for decades. The establishment of the KMB Academy proves our determination to strive for continuous service improvements and staff training. Under professional assessments, our two programmes have been affirmed and recognised by the Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Academic and Vocational Qualifications (HKCCAVQ) and included in the Qualifications Register.

The HKCCAVQ’s work in quality assurance has gained international recognition. These two programmes offered by the KMB Academy are accredited by HKCCAVQ, which means that the content, quality, and teaching module of the programmes have reached the standards of HKQF.”

Certificate in Bus Maintenance

HKQF is a 7-level hierarchy in which HKCCAVQ assigns a level according to a set of indicators, including Knowledge and Intellectual Skills, Communications, ICT, and Numeracy, that specify the outcome standards expected of the qualifications at each level.  

KMB’s Certificate in Bus Maintenance is recognised under the HKQF as it meets the accreditation standards at QF Level 2. Students who finish the programme will obtain the relevant qualifications, with the professional bus maintenance certificate recognised by two European bus manufacture giants Alexander Dennis Ltd and Volvo Buses. Students will be hired as semi-skilled workers and be promoted to higher positions following further training. 

The two-year programme is available to anyone aged 19 or above who has completed their secondary education or holds other equivalent educational qualifications. Students must undergo the first 24 days of induction training to learn mechanical operation, industrial safety knowledge, and basic technical training, including engine, drivetrain, chassis, electrical appliances, and air-conditioning, and then conduct on-the-job training in the depots.

Certificate in Bus Maintenance is handled by experienced instructors who are tailor-made the programme to cater for students with different learning abilities.

Certificate in Public Bus (Franchised) Driving

KMB’s Certificate in Public Bus (Franchised) Driving is recognised under the HKQF as it meets the accreditation standards at QF Level 3. During the training period, apart from franchised bus driving training, students are also required to undergo route training, bus type training, defensive driving training, customer service training, emotional management, and pre-service course for public bus drivers provided by the Transport Department. Before graduation, students are required to reach the standards of KMB and undergo a simulation assessment which instructors will access their performance.

The programme, is available to anyone who aged 21 or above and had a class 1 or 1A driving license for a year or longer, or those who have a class 10, 10A, or 17 driving licenses, and has a good driving record.

First “Online Bus Captain Recruitment Week” to attract different talents

KMB attaches great importance to the training, and also actively recruits outstanding talents. From 10 January to 15 January (Monday to Saturday), KMB will hold an Online Bus Captain Recruitment Week. Interested candidates can contact Human Resources Department from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm at 2786-8708 or via WhatsApp at 9857-0129 for a video interview. A physical recruitment day will be held on 16 January (Sunday), where KMB will arrange interview and driving tests for interviewees who have made an appointment.

Photo Caption

	A 2-year programme,  Certificate in Bus Maintenance, offered by KMB has been included in the Qualifications Register Level 2.
	Students will learn basic technical training, including engine, drivetrain, chassis, electrical appliances, and air-conditioning, and industrial safety knowledge during the training period.
	The maintenance personnel have participated in various open competitions and rewarded inspiring results.
	Instructors with extensive bus driving experience and relevant qualifications from the Transport Department teach the programme of Certificate in Public Bus (Franchised) Driving.
	The Driving Instructors will work with the students on the rooftop of the depot to simulate how to safely control the bus in a situation where there are many bends and narrow roads.
	KMB continued to attract talent, including launching a new series of job recruitment advertisements.