The bus company has joined forces with national training provider Realise, as part of a wider national drive by Stagecoach to implement a high standard of training for its employees.

The scheme launched on 14 October and will deliver a cohesive programme of training and support to new drivers.

Designed to complement Stagecoach’s high standards of driving, the scheme will aim to provide training in exceptional customer service with a key focus on safety, excellent driving ability, good decision-making skills and the ability to deal with challenging situations.

Stagecoach East Midlands will be implementing the ‘Passenger Transport Driver Bus and Coach apprenticeship’ throughout its depots, giving new trainee drivers, who are not PCV licence holders, the opportunity to complete the scheme.

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.

Bus driving is a crucial and skilled role in the business and the new partnership is a further demonstration that Stagecoach East Midlands is committed to investing in employees in both their professional and personal development.

“As a large employer in the East Midlands we want to demonstrate our commitment to our employees and future employees by investing in the best possible training for our drivers and provide them with a rewarding career.

“Our passengers will also benefit from the enhanced training, their safety being our paramount priority, along with delivering a well-rounded customer experience that they can enjoy.

“We are delighted to enter into this partnership with Realise.”

“We are delighted to be working in partnership with Stagecoach East Midlands as we roll out the passenger transport apprenticeship.

“Realise was the country’s first large training provider to launch a bespoke apprenticeship for bus drivers and we have a proven track record in this sector. Since February 2018, we have worked collaboratively with Stagecoach to train over 200 new drivers. Those who have gone on to reach End Point Assessment have all successfully passed their qualification.

“We look forward to sharing our expertise in delivering best-in-class apprenticeships.”