Stagecoach announces the launch of its 2024 graduate scheme with applications now open!

Stagecoach, the country’s biggest bus and coach operator, has today (29 January 2024) launched the search for new graduates to join its UK-wide business from September.  

The operator is looking for individuals to join its two-year extensive graduate training programme. Successful applicants will have a valuable opportunity to learn the bus and coach business inside-out, with time spent in operations, engineering, the people team, finance, marketing and commercial departments at a range of locations up and down the country from Inverness to Exeter.  

The programme is part of Stagecoach’s strategy to develop its future managers and leaders, and it is working with Sanctuary Graduates, the UK’s leading graduate recruitment agency who work with over 200 universities in the UK and across Europe. 

With the operator looking for leaders of the future, those who are successful in their applications can expect to develop skills in stakeholder management, commercial innovation, people leadership, operational performance and change management. With additional access to their own support network, they are assisted by a buddy and mentor within the company and access to professional development such as an ILM level 3 qualification.  

This year, Stagecoach is also widening the scope of disciplines and have introduced an engineering graduate scheme, designed specifically for graduates from an engineering background looking to progress into a leadership role. Successful candidates for the engineering placements can expect the same opportunities to develop integral leadership skills while also getting industry leading engineering experience.  

Izzy Bullough, a current graduate on the 2023 Future Leaders Programme said; “I have been on the Future Leader Programme for 5 months and have already achieved so much. From obtaining a Category D driving license, to working as a traffic officer and even getting involved with a radio show. This programme has given me exposure to all aspects of the business while also providing all the support for me to grow and develop.” 

Many of Stagecoach’s senior leadership team started their careers on the graduate scheme, learning about how the business is run and working their way through the business to become Managing Directors.  

Joining the graduate scheme in 2004, Matthew Cranwell was promoted to several senior positions before becoming Managing Director for Stagecoach Cumbria and North Lancashire. More recently taking on the role of Managing Director for Stagecoach East Midlands, a business that runs 460 buses across Lincoln, Hull, Grimsby, Skegness, Worksop, Mansfield, Gainsborough and Scunthorpe and employs 1,300 people across eight depots. 

Matthew Cranwell, Managing Director of Stagecoach East Midlands, said: “This is an excellent programme that really provides you with the knowledge of how our business works. It’s a great opportunity to have a go at all the jobs and get insight into what our staff have to do on a daily basis to keep over 8,300 buses, coaches and trams running reliably for our customers.” 

Joanne Smith, People Director for Stagecoach, added: “Our business is built on our people and they are fundamental to our success. We are proud to have a diverse, high-quality team that reflects the communities we serve, and it’s important that we continue to build on that by nurturing the next generation of talent to support our business. 

“We’re very proud of our track record of not only developing graduates into managers and leaders through this programme, but also offering continued progression within our business.” 

The next Stagecoach Graduate Leadership Programme starts in September 2024, and applications must be submitted 8 March 2024. 

Full information on the criteria can be found by visiting the link here.  The minimum requirements to apply are a 2:2 degree or above in any discipline by September 2023, a full UK/EU driving licence by September 2023 and a good level of personal resilience and zest for learning. The application process will include a telephone interview and time spent at a face-to-face assessment centre. The scheme is open to all internal and external applicants.