Bus Driver: Trainee Bus Driver (including Apprenticeship qualification)

Stagecoach Group plc; Newcastle upon Tyne; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading public transport provider is seeking enthusiastic individuals to train as bus drivers in Newcastle upon Tyne. No experience is required; you'll receive comprehensive paid training and support to obtain your PCV licence. Responsibilities include driving safely, delivering outstanding customer service, and creating a welcoming environment for passengers. This position offers a stable career with competitive pay, benefits, and opportunities for advancement. Join our team and make a difference in your community.

Benefits

Paid training

Level 2 Apprenticeship Qualification

Employee discounts

28 days holiday rising to 33

Free travel for you and a companion

Qualifications

• Must be 18 years or older.
• Hold a full UK driving licence with no more than 6 points.
• No previous bus driving experience required.

Responsibilities

• Complete training to secure PCV licence.
• Drive safely and smoothly.
• Deliver excellent customer service.

Skills

Customer service

Driving

Teamwork

Job description

Overview

Salary

You will get paid to train starting at £12.93 per hour. We will also pay for all of your training costs, worth around £4,000. Your typical annualized earnings will be £34k once you become a qualified bus driver after 1 year of service.

• Your new career starts here at Stagecoach, no experience needed

• Earn while you learn, we provide fully paid training to help you gain your PCV licence and enhance your learning through a Level 2 Apprenticeship Qualification.

• Based at our Walkergate depot, located in Newcastle Upon Tyne

• Pay rate during training of £12.93 per hour (training will last 6 – 8 weeks)

• Annual earnings of £25,839 following completion of training based on 37 hours per week as a qualified Bus Driver rising to over £29,841 after 1 year’s service. Typical annualised earnings with overtime after 1 year’s service is £35,000.

About the role

Looking for a job with real purpose? A career that moves you forward? At Stagecoach, we don’t just offer jobs; we offer careers. Our drivers are the heartbeat of our communities, connecting people to work, school, friends, and family. And now, we’re looking for more friendly, safety-conscious people to join our team at our Walkergate depot.

No experience driving a bus? No problem! We’ll pay you to train, cover the cost of your PCV licence, and equip you with everything you need to not only succeed but flourish on the road. All we ask for is a great attitude to learning, a genuine desire to make a positive difference to people’s daily lives, a passion for exceptional customer experience and a full UK driving licence.

Working environment

We offer a welcoming and inclusive work environment across Stagecoach, where colleagues support each other, and managers are committed to creating great places to work. We also have a wide range of employee networks to ensure everyone feels valued and included, along with a 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme to support your and your family’s health and wellbeing.

Walkergate depot

At our Walkergate depot, we operate a fleet of over 100 buses covering the areas of Newcastle, North Tyneside and Northumberland with a team of over 270 Drivers.

This isn’t just about driving a bus—it’s about making a difference every day. You’ll be a friendly face in someone’s day, offering a warm welcome, answering questions, and helping people feel safe and supported on their journey. Ready to get behind the wheel? Let’s go!

Why choose Stagecoach?

• We’ll cover all your training costs, so you earn while you learn
• Gain a Level 2 Bus Driver Apprenticeship, with structured training and an externally recognised qualification
• Competitive hourly rates, plus opportunities for overtime
• Great career opportunities growing into roles such as Inspector, Controller, Instructor alongside leadership and cross functional openings across the UK
• A permanent, stable career in a respected market leading organisation with a great future focussed on sustainable, clean energy vehicles
• Our benefits including pension, 28 days holiday, rising to 33 days after 4 years of employment, free travel for you and a companion and a wide range of discounts

What will you be doing?

• Completing our industry leading training, securing your PCV licence followed by ongoing CPC training and professional development which form part of gaining your Level 2 Bus Driver Apprenticeship
• Driving our fantastic fleet safely, smoothly with confidence
• Making sure every single customer has a great journey
• Delivering top-notch customer service, helping people of all ages and backgrounds
• Creating a welcoming environment where customers feel respected, cared for, and looked after, especially those who rely on us most
• Working flexible shifts, including early mornings, evenings, and weekends

What do you need to apply?

• You need to be 18 years old and hold a driving licence with no more than 6 penalty points
• Right to work in the UK (You will need to have been in the UK for a minimum of 183 days as part of DVLA requirement) and have been ordinarily resident in the UK and Islands or the British overseas territories for the last 3 years OR meet alternative criteria due to funding criteria (can be discussed via application)
• A patient, safe and courteous approach to driving
• Being the face of Stagecoach, a positive, friendly attitude and a passion for delivering great customer service
• A willingness to learn and be part of a brilliant team
• Our recruitment process is simple; a short application (around 3 – 4 minutes), followed by an interview assessing your experience & behaviours

Ready to take the driver’s seat?

Click apply now to start your Stagecoach journey today. We can’t wait to welcome you on board!

Stagecoach is proudly an inclusive employer, striving for a culture where everyone can be themselves and where all the differences people bring are truly appreciated. We welcome applications from all, irrespective of gender, ethnicity, race, religion, beliefs, disability, neurodiversity, sexual orientation or age. We also live by our five values across Stagecoach; We plan for the future, We do the right thing, We are stronger together, We are down to earth and We support communities.

Stagecoach is proudly an inclusive employer, striving for a culture where everyone can be themselves and where all the differences people bring are truly appreciated. We welcome applications from all, irrespective of gender, ethnicity, race, religion, beliefs, disability, neurodiversity, sexual orientation, or age.

Location: Walkergate Bus Station Shields Rd, Walkergate Newcastle upon Tyne NE6 2BZ