Experienced Wayne reignites passion for progression

A former police officer has reignited a passion for learning and career progression after entering the bus industry.

Wayne Cappleman was in his fifties when he made the decision to embark on a bus driving apprenticeship with Stagecoach, in conjunction with leading training provider Realise. 

He saw it as a final job to see him into retirement after a successful 32-year career with the Metropolitan Police and a short stint as a supermarket delivery driver. 

But Wayne soon fell in love with the industry – and six years on, now 59, Wayne has climbed the ladder to Duty Manager with Stagecoach.

Wayne said: “I left the police and survived on my pension for a while but soon got bored. I had to do something so I drove delivery vans for Sainsbury’s for a few months and went back to Hampshire Constabulary for a while, but the travelling was too much. 

“I saw the advert to become a bus driver and it reignited childhood dreams of driving big vehicles. I decided that it was going to be my last job – but the apprenticeship and the opportunities it has offered me made it a bit bigger experience than I had anticipated. 

“The training was excellent and very engaging. It helped reignite a passion for progression that I thought had gone.”

The Covid pandemic interrupted Wayne’s apprenticeship, meaning it took him two years to be fully qualified – and he also had to re-sit a maths qualification as he had lost his O-Level paperwork - but once he was on the roads, there was no stopping him. 

Within six months he secured the role of Controller and, in July this year, Wayne became Duty Manager at Stagecoach’s Aldershot depot.

“I discovered I had a knack for driving large things,” said Wayne. “I had driven police vans at speed and delivery vans, but this was completely different. I just took to it very easily. 

“There are a few very narrow country roads in Hampshire so it’s a test I enjoy. 

“I still get out on the roads when I can but I am also enjoying the behind-the-desk responsibilities of being Duty Manager. 

“There are interesting daily challenges to keep me on my toes and Stagecoach is an excellent company to work for.”

The Stagecoach apprenticeship delivered in partnership with Realise is a 12-14 month programme, which gives people the training required to obtain a PCV licence and become a professional bus driver.  .  

More information on the Apprenticeship with Stagecoach.