Trainee Bus Driver - Cheltenham Depot

334 Cheltenham and Gloucester Omnibus Company Limited; Cheltenham; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 38,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension

6 weeks holiday

Free travel for you and a companion

Discounts

Job summary

Stagecoach Cheltenham is recruiting for an Apprentice Bus Driver. You’ll train and learn to drive PCV buses as part of a Level 2 Bus Driver Apprenticeship, earning while you learn.

You will be based at the Cheltenham depot and progress to a fully qualified driver on a 39-hour week, with training paid at £15.00 per hour for the initial period.

Qualifications

• A willingness to learn and develop on the job.
• Excellent customer service mindset and safety awareness.
• Eligibility to work in the UK and drive a vehicle in the UK.
• You'll gain your PCV licence as part of the apprenticeship.
• No prior bus driving experience required; training provided.

Responsibilities

• Drive our bus fleet safely and confidently.
• Deliver high-quality customer service to all passengers.
• Complete training and CPC requirements as part of the apprenticeship.
• Create a welcoming, respectful environment for all customers.

Skills

Customer service

Safety-conscious

Willingness to learn

Education

Level 2 Bus Driver Apprenticeship

Job description

Salary & Pay

Salary Typical annualised earnings of £32,647. Pay rate during training of £15.00 per hour (training will last 6 – 8 weeks). Annual earnings of £32,647 following completion of training based on 39 hours per week as a qualified Bus Driver.

Working Hours & Shift Patterns

Shift patterns of 5 out of 7 or 4 out of 7.

Location

Based at our Cheltenham depot, located at Gloucester Road, Cheltenham, GL51 8PL. Location: Stagecoach Cheltenham Depot Lansdown Ind Estate, St. Marks Cheltenham GL51 8PL.

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 Cheltenham depot.

Training & Apprenticeship

No experience driving a bus? No problem! We’ll pay you to train whilst we invest significantly in your training. You’ll gain your PCV licence as part of our Level 2 Bus Driver Apprenticeship, which will equip you with everything you need to not only succeed but flourish on the road. The apprenticeship gives you a structured training programme and an externally recognised qualification, with no impact on your role, pay or hours. 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.

Depot Details

At our Cheltenham depot, we operate a fleet of 69 buses covering the areas of Cheltenham, Gloucester, Tewkesbury & Stroud with a team of 170 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.

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 focused on sustainable, clean energy vehicles.

Benefits

• Our benefits including pension.
• 6 weeks holiday (after 5 years this increases to 7 weeks).
• Free travel for you and a companion.
• A wide range of discounts.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Requirements

• 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.
• 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.

Recruitment Process

Our recruitment process is simple; a short application (around 3 – 4 minutes), followed by an interview assessing your experience & behaviours.

Company Culture & Values

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.

Company Overview

Welcome to Stagecoach, the UK’s #1 bus company. Every day we help millions of passengers get to the people and places that matter to them, connecting the communities we are proud to serve.

Founded in 1980, Stagecoach has established itself as the UK’s largest transport operator, with services connecting more than 100 major towns and cities in England, Scotland, and Wales. We work with our partners to deliver a greener, smarter, safer, healthier, and fairer country. Providing extensive expertise in commercial and contracted markets, we assist national and regional government to deliver on ambitious plans for their citizens, communities, and local economy. Our team of 26,000 employees are proud to serve our customers and be an integral part of their local communities.