Trainee Bus Driver

Stagecoach; Thurso; On-site; CAD 49,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

A public transport provider is seeking Trainee Bus Drivers for its Thurso depot, offering fully paid training and the chance to earn while you learn at £14.60 per hour. Once qualified, earnings can reach around £31,400 annually based on a 42-hour week. Ideal candidates will be over 18 with a valid UK driving license and a commitment to customer service. Benefits include a pension, free travel, and ample holiday. Apply directly via the official website, quoting job reference JR11460.

Benefits

28 days holiday

Free travel for you and a companion

Access to discounts

Pension

Employee assistance programme

Qualifications

• You must be 18 or over and hold a full UK driving license with no more than six penalty points.
• You need the right to work in the UK and must have been resident in the UK for at least 183 days.

Responsibilities

• Drive Stagecoach’s modern fleet, delivering safe and reliable journeys for passengers.
• Provide a friendly presence in the community, answering questions and ensuring customer safety.
• Work flexible shift patterns across any five days out of seven.

Skills

Patient approach to driving

Positive attitude

Commitment to customer service

Willingness to learn

Job description

Stagecoach is recruiting Trainee Bus Drivers to join its team at the Thurso depot, offering the chance to build a long term career in public transport with no previous bus driving experience required.

This role is ideal for someone looking for secure employment with real purpose, where you play a vital role in connecting people to work, education, family, and community life across Caithness.

The role

As a Trainee Bus Driver, you will begin your career with fully paid training, earning while you learn as Stagecoach supports you through gaining your PCV licence. Training typically lasts between six and eight weeks and is paid at £14.60 per hour throughout.

Once qualified, you will drive Stagecoach’s modern fleet, delivering safe, smooth, and reliable journeys for passengers of all ages. You will be a visible and friendly presence in the community, offering a warm welcome, answering questions, and ensuring customers feel safe, respected, and supported on every journey.

You will work flexible shift patterns across any five days out of seven, including early mornings, evenings, and weekends, reflecting the essential nature of public transport services.

Our Thurso depot

Based at the Stagecoach Thurso depot on Lovers Lane, the team operates a fleet of new buses serving communities across the area. You will join a supportive group of drivers and managers committed to creating a positive and inclusive workplace.

What we are looking for

You must be aged 18 or over and hold a full UK driving licence with no more than six penalty points. You will need the right to work in the UK and must have been resident in the UK for at least 183 days to meet DVLA requirements.

Stagecoach is looking for people with a patient, safety focused approach to driving, a positive attitude, and a genuine commitment to customer service. A willingness to learn and be part of a team is essential.

Pay and benefits

Pay during training is £14.60 per hour, with overtime paid at £16.50 per hour after 42 hours.

Once qualified, typical annual earnings are around £31,400 based on a 42 hour working week.

Benefits include a pension, 28 days holiday, free travel for you and a companion, access to a wide range of discounts, and a 24 hour employee assistance programme supporting health and wellbeing. Stagecoach also offers clear progression opportunities into roles such as Inspector, Controller, Instructor, and wider leadership positions across the UK.

How to apply

This role is being recruited directly by Stagecoach.

To apply, please complete the short application via the official Stagecoach careers website. Please quote job reference JR11460.

Stagecoach is proud to be an inclusive employer and welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds, creating a workplace where everyone is supported and valued.