London bus company Abellio has more than 2,500 employees and runs more than 750 buses on its contracts across the city. The apprenticeships will start in September and from that month, any new driver joining Abellio who hasn’t already got their Passenger Carrying Vehicle licence will be automatically enrolled onto the scheme. A driver recruitment campaign has already started.

Realise will deliver a Passenger Transport Bus Driver Level 2 apprenticeship in partnership with Abellio which will give new employees the training and support they need to become a fully-qualified, confident and safe bus driver.

London bus company Abellio has more than 2,500 employees and runs more than 750 buses on its contracts across the city. The apprenticeships will start in September and from that month, any new driver joining Abellio who hasn’t already got their Passenger Carrying Vehicle licence will be automatically enrolled onto the scheme. A driver recruitment campaign has already started.

Realise was the country’s first large training provider to launch a bespoke apprenticeship for bus drivers, and already works with other passenger transport bus operators. This means Realise has built a wealth of experience in the sector. The apprenticeship sits within the Apprenticeship Levy framework and combines practical training with off-the-job learning which complements Abellio’s commitment to quality driving, exceptional customer service and safety. The apprenticeship will also reflect the high standards set by Transport for London.

“The Passenger Transport Apprenticeship offers an outstanding opportunity to provide a fully rounded training environment that gives individuals new to the industry the best possible start to their career. Through a far wider and more extensive programme than has traditionally been made available, we will ensure that graduates of the course become confident and safe bus drivers who are also equipped with excellent customer service skills.”

“Abellio has made a considerable investment in bringing their bus driver training scheme in-house so I am absolutely delighted that as part of this approach they have decided to partner with Realise. I believe this is because we are known to provide the best-in-class apprenticeships and have a proven track record in this sector.

“Growing our business with Abellio meets our strategic objective of winning new business in the passenger transport industry.”