The new Coach division of the Road haulage Association (RHA) has confirmed plans to promote the coach sector with the first-ever National Coach Week from 1 April 2022.

The campaign will take place across the UK and will be a celebration of the industry, showcasing the vital role it plays in society. 

Coach operators provide an essential service: getting children to school, families to the events they enjoy, and supporting tourism. 

National Coach Week will highlight this to the public and government officials, and will give employees in the sector the opportunity to show pride in what coaches do.

The RHA will also be tackling the skills shortage over the week-long campaign, promoting the diverse careers in the coach sector, from drivers and engineers to admin staff and operations.

A competition will offer a lucky winner the opportunity to train to become a coach driver for free.

Commenting on the initiative Richard Smith, RHA Managing Director, said: “We’re excited to launch the UK’s first-ever National Coach Week as a way of celebrating and promoting the coach industry after a tough couple of years. “We’re encouraging everyone to get involved, from people in the sector, to schools, colleges, tourism and many others. It’s going to be a great opportunity to showcase the vital role our industry plays and the career choices it offers.”

Julie Hartley, Irizar UK Sales Director, who are supporting the event said: “We’re delighted to support National Coach Week next year. The industry deserves much more recognition for the role it plays keeping people moving and supporting other sectors such as hospitality, events and tourism. “This campaign couldn’t come at a better time.”

National Coach Week follows the RHA’s launch of coach memberships earlier this year. It will form a permanent part of the RHA annual schedule alongside events such as National Lorry Week and the Commercial Vehicle Show.