SINGAPORE - Transport operator SMRT Corp and the Employment and Employability Institute (e2i) have tied up to launch the first integrated career programme for bus drivers.

On Friday afternoon, SMRT, the institute and the National Transport Workers' Union signed a memorandum of understanding to develop and launch a new career centre, which will be open to all public and private bus operators. The career centre will be set up at the institute's premises in Jurong East.

When it is ready in a year's time, it will boast 16 bus simulators that will help would be drivers familiarise themselves with various driving conditions.

The centre will also develop a clearer advancement route for drivers, which includes teaching, management and supervisory roles. SMRT chief executive Desmond Kuek said the move was to nurture "a strong Singaporean core of bus professionals ".

The industry is facing a shortage of drivers, especially locals, even as the Government puts pedal to metal to expand the bus fleet to cope with growing demand.