Trainee Bus Driver

Stagecoach Group plc; Carlisle; On-site; GBP 10,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading public transport company seeks Bus Drivers at its Carlisle depot. No prior experience is needed as full training and PCV license costs are covered. Candidates must have a valid driving license and a positive attitude towards customer service. This role offers a competitive hourly rate, potential for career growth, and a range of employee benefits.

Benefits

Paid training

Competitive hourly rates

20 days holiday

Pension scheme

Free travel for employee and companion

Qualifications

• Must be 18 years old with a valid driving license, no more than 3 penalty points.
• Right to work in the UK for at least 183 days.
• A patient, safe and courteous approach to driving.

Responsibilities

• Complete training to secure PCV license followed by ongoing CPC training.
• Drive the fleet safely and smoothly.
• Deliver exceptional customer service.

Skills

Great attitude to learning

Customer service

Safe driving

Job description

Salary

Salary Training Rate £14:20 and once you've passed your driving test the rate of pay is £15:20

• 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
• Based at our Carlisle depot, located in Carlisle
• Pay rate during training of £14:20 per hour (training will last 6 – 8 weeks)
• Annual earnings of £30,900 following completion of training based on 39 hours per week as a qualified Bus Driver
• Shift patterns of 5 over 7 days.

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 Carlisle 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.

Our 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.

Our Carlisle depot

We operate a fleet of 80 buses covering the areas of all of Cumbria with a team of 157 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
• 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, 20 days holiday, 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
• 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 3 penalty points
• Right to work in the UK (You will need to have been in the UK for a minimum of 183 days as a part of DVLA requirement)
• 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 made up of a diverse community of people who support and empower each other, creating a culture of inclusivity and respect.

We believe that diversity not only enriches our company culture but also makes us stronger and more innovative as a team.

We welcome applications from everyone and can’t wait for you to join the Stagecoach team!

Location: Stagecoach Carlisle Depot Willowholme Industrial Estate, Willow Holme Road, Willowholme Carlisle CA2 5RT