The Route to Success programme sees learners delivered training in all aspects of driving a bus including medical assessments, theory and hazard practice and test, on-road driving and customer service.

As well as obtaining a Passenger Carrying Vehicle licence through the course, those completing the programme will also be guaranteed a job interview with an operator in Greater Manchester.

Kairon Flowers, Operations Director at Realise, said: “The first phase of the training programme in Greater Manchester has been a huge success and we are delighted that the provision has been extended.

“The demand for new bus drivers, not only in Manchester but right across the UK, remains extremely high and we are seeing increasing interest in our Route to Success programme as local authorities take steps to help protect future bus services for local communities.

“For people seeking a new challenge and thinking bus driving may be an option they are keen to pursue, it’s an ideal opportunity to progress into a new career and acquire all the skills they require to be a huge success.”