Stagecoach driver apprenticeship scheme leads the bus industry *updated with new link*

A group of Stagecoach employees have become the first in England to successfully complete the new bus driver apprenticeship programme.  28 apprentices have all recently completed the programme, with Stagecoach becoming the first transport group to successfully train people under the new apprenticeship programme.

The level 2 standard apprenticeship programme, ‘Passenger Transport Driver – Bus, Coach and Tram’, provides a combination of practical training and off-the-job learning.  The 12 month programme is delivered in partnership with training supplier Interserve Learning & Employment, complementing Stagecoach’s high standards around quality driving, excellent customer service and a key focus on safety.

The apprenticeship programme is now running in nine Stagecoach companies across England, and has seen 28 people complete their training with a further 266 learners working towards their apprenticeship.  The programme will be rolled out to all of Stagecoach’s English operating companies by April 2020. The bus apprenticeships run alongside Stagecoach’s engineering apprenticeship programme, which is currently seeing 156 people studying for a level 3 ‘Bus & Coach Engineering Technician’ apprenticeship.

The first two apprentices to complete the Passenger Transport Driver programme were Caroline Crozier, a former school teaching assistant from Newcastle, who joined Stagecoach in Walkergate depot in March 2018 as an apprentice PCV driver and Gary Jardine, a former warehouse employee, who completed his apprenticeship at Stagecoach's Slatyford depot in Newcastle.

Clare Burles, People Director for Stagecoach said: “We’re really proud that Stagecoach is leading the way for the industry in delivering the first bus driver apprenticeship programmes in England.

“With 28 apprentices who have now successfully completed the programme and a further 266 working towards their driver apprenticeship, this is a great step forward.  It complements the engineering apprenticeships we have been running for many years and builds on our plans to create the best possible team to serve our customers and communities.”

Caroline Crozier, who is now a bus driver at Walkergate, said: “I have found this apprenticeship invaluable for my continued support, and training in a new career. It has boosted my confidence and enabled me to do my job to the best of my ability.”

Colleague Gary Jardine added: “The apprentice scheme has helped in a big way in my first year at Stagecoach, as it covers a range of topics that help you in your role as a bus driver. The workshops that I have attended have helped me deal with different situations when I'm out on the road.”

For more information on the Apprenticeship Programme please visit https://learning-employment.com/apprentices/transport-apprenticeships/stagecoach-bus-drive-apprenticeship/

ENDS