Stagecoach Supports Students at Progress Arc Careers Fair
Stagecoach Manchester and Merseyside was delighted to take part in a Careers Fair at Progress Arc St Helens on Wednesday 29th April, where colleagues spent time talking with students about the many career paths available across the bus industry.
The event was designed to help young people with additional needs explore real-life employment options in a supportive and engaging environment.
Throughout the day, Stagecoach Manchester and Merseyside colleagues spoke with students specifically about becoming a bus driver and what the role involves. They explained the day-to-day responsibilities of driving, the importance of customer interaction and safety, and how drivers play a vital role in keeping local communities connected. Staff also talked through entry routes into driving, including training and licence support, helping students understand how a career behind the wheel could be both achievable and rewarding.
A highlight of the event was the chance for students to experience a Stagecoach bus up close. Bringing a bus onto site allowed young people to climb aboard, sit in the driver’s seat and ask questions about how the vehicle works and what the role involves. The hands-on experience helped spark curiosity and made the careers on offer feel more real and achievable.
Students moved around the employer stands during the morning, taking part in conversations and practical discussions. This interactive approach worked particularly well for Progress Arc students, many of whom benefit from visual and experiential learning, and helped ensure everyone could engage in a way that suited them.
Rachel Green, Head of Sixth Form said: "It was a fantastic day for our pupils at Progress Futures and Progress Arc. The Stagecoach team were brilliant with our young people, creating an experience that was both exciting and inspiring. One pupil, Bradley, said, ‘It was so cool - I didn’t know there were so many types of jobs. The Stagecoach staff said I’d be good for a job with them when I get my licence, which made me feel great.’ Experiences like this show the real value of employer engagement. We’re very grateful to the Stagecoach team for their time, energy and enthusiasm, and we look forward to further collaboration to support our students’ pathways into employment."
As a member of the Liverpool City Region Employer Network, Stagecoach Manchester and Merseyside continues to play an active role in supporting young people across the communities it serves.
Simon Tramalloni, Head of Operations for Stagecoach Manchester and Merseyside, said: “Stagecoach is very much privileged to be part of the Liverpool City Region Employee Network, which plays a vital role in supporting young people across the communities we serve. We look forward to continuing this partnership well into the future.”
The Careers Fair provided a valuable opportunity to build confidence, raise aspirations and strengthen links between local employers and the school community. Stagecoach’s participation at Progress Arc reflects its ongoing dedication to opening up inclusive employment opportunities for young people and supporting them as they consider their next steps into the world of work.