Like many people starting something new, Leah felt a mix of emotions on the first day. “I felt anxious and excited about what I was going to learn and experience,” she says. While she wasn’t sure what to expect, Leah was eager to gain the skills and knowledge needed to take her first steps into the transport industry.

As the training progressed, she found herself thoroughly enjoying the learning process – especially when it came to understanding the inner workings of buses. “I enjoyed learning how the bus works and what the job will entail long term,” she explains. The course didn’t just prepare her for the practical side of the role; it gave her a clearer picture of what a future in bus driving could look like.

For Leah, one of the biggest takeaways from the course was the confidence it gave her. “This course has given me the encouragement and enthusiasm to know that I can do it, no matter what,” she says. Before starting, the idea of stepping into a completely new industry seemed intimidating, but with the right support, Leah realised it was within her reach.

That support came largely from her tutor, who made a lasting impression. “Andy was the most encouraging and enthusiastic person I’ve ever met,” Leah says. “He made me realise that I was made for this job and taught me things about buses that I would never have known otherwise.”

More that just passing on technical knowledge, Leah’s tutor played a key role in building her self-belief. “His positivity and knowledge really rub off on you,” she adds. “He makes you feel confident in your knowledge and ability, no matter how little you start with.”

Now, with her training behind her, Leah is ready to start her new career as a trainee bus driver. She’s looking forward to getting out on the road, putting her new skills into practice, and embracing all the opportunities that come along with it.

For anyone considering a Realise course, Leah’s advice is simple: “Go in realising that you will learn a lot and get a lot of opportunities.” Whether it’s developing new skills, gaining qualifications, or building confidence, the right training can open doors to exciting new possibilities.

With a fresh start ahead, Leah is proof that jumping into something new can be life-changing – with the right support, anything is possible.