Bus giants Stagecoach to take on 600 apprentices this year

Bus and coach firm Stagecoach, which operates services across Derbyshire, is to recruit 600 extra apprentices during 2020.
Stagecoach, which is on the right road when it comes to employing apprentices.Stagecoach, which is on the right road when it comes to employing apprentices.
Stagecoach, which is on the right road when it comes to employing apprentices.

The decision was made to coincide with National Apprenticeship Week this month.

Stagecoach already employs about 550 apprentices in England, Scotland and Wales. By the end of this year, it will have 1,000 driver apprentices and a total of around 200 engineering apprentices on its books.

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Martin Griffiths, chief executive, said: “Our people are fundamental to ensuring we keep communities across the country connected.

“We are proud to lead the bus and coach industry by creating 600 new learner opportunities in 2020.

“Apprenticeships bring huge value to our business in terms of talent and diversity.

“Whether you’re a school-leaver or somebody who wants a change in career, an apprenticeship programme is a great opportunity to earn while you learn, and kickstart your career in the transport industry.”

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Stagecoach’s 12-month apprenticeship programme provides a combination of practical training and off-the-job learning.

A total of 34 employees have gained their driver apprenticeship to date, with a further 100 expected by the summer.

Caroline Crozier, a former school teaching assistant from Newcastle, is now a fully fledged driver after joining Stagecoach in March 2018.

“She said: “I wanted a complete change of career, and this is a great programme. You get support from your peers and assessors which is really helpful. Our apprenticeship team was like a little community.”

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Stagecoach’s apprenticeship programme has run for more than 15 years, and many employees have climbed the ladder within the company.

Jemma Wood started as a mechanical apprentice, with no knowledge of mechanics. Now she is a deputy engineering manager.

She said: “As a child, I preferred Barbie dolls to engineering! But when I saw the apprenticeship scheme advertised, I gave it a go.

“It was definitely the way for me and, as an added bonus, I met my future husband on the course!”