Murray Browning, from Gloucester, is currently three months into his new role as Training and Development Officer at Realise after pursuing his initial dream of becoming a bus driver.

The 50-year-old obtained a Passenger Carrying Vehicle (PCV) Licence whilst working at Stagecoach West in Gloucestershire and completing his Passenger Transport– Bus Driver Level 2 Standard.

However, just under two years into his career with the UK transport giant, Murray elected for something of a job switch by returning to the classroom as a trainer.

“I’m super proud to be the only Training and Development Officer in the business that has also completed the bus driver apprenticeship jointly run by Stagecoach and Realise.

“Whilst I’m not overly experienced compared to some of my colleagues, the team at Realise knew my background and could see that my knowledge of the course could be invaluable.

“When the latest cohort of apprentices came through my door, I could see they were bursting with excitement and it took me right back to my first day. I’ve been there and done it, so I can completely relate to what they’re going through.”

After spending nearly two years with Stagecoach, Murray made the switch back to Realise in October in a bid to inspire the next generation of learners looking to get behind the wheel of a career in bus driving.

“The last few years have been an absolute whirlwind, but I wouldn’t change them for anything.

“I spent over 23 years in marketing sat behind a desk and computer, but I’ve always had a passion for the transport industry and becoming a bus driver.

“When I finally made the decision to do an apprenticeship, I didn’t expect to be doing it in the midst of a global pandemic but the team at Realise were fantastic in helping me continue with my course.

“Most of my learning went online via Zoom so I was still able to learn the core skills required by a transport business as well as undertake the necessary passenger vehicle and bus driver training.

“I believe apprenticeships are a great way of securing a job and getting into the industry. I loved my time as a bus driver and being responsible for providing essential transport to local communities during such a difficult period is something I’m enormously proud of.”

“It’s a pleasure to see Murray progress his career with Realise, which is a credit to the partnership cultivated between Stagecoach and Realise.

“Our commitment to the apprenticeship scheme allows us to deliver high quality training to our people and, in turn, high quality service to the customers we are proud to serve.”

Realise provides first class skills, education and employment services to more than 7,000 learners and thousands of employers across a host of sectors in the UK every year.