Trainee Bus Driver (including Apprenticeship qualification)

Stagecoach Group; Preston; On-site; GBP 13,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading transport company in Preston is seeking a Bus Driver. This role offers a fully paid training program to gain a PCV license as part of a Level 2 Apprenticeship. The hourly pay is £13.64 during training, rising to over £31k annually upon completion. Ideal candidates should have a full driving license and a passion for customer service. Join us to make a difference in your community!

Benefits

Paid training

Free travel for employee and companion

28 days holiday

Pension plan

Wide range of discounts

Qualifications

• Must be 18 years old and hold a valid driving license with no more than 6 penalty points.
• Must have right to work in the UK.
• Positive attitude and willingness to learn.

Responsibilities

• Drive the fleet safely and smoothly.
• Provide excellent customer service.
• Complete training for a PCV license and undergo continuing professional development.

Skills

Customer service

Driving license

Teamwork

Safe driving

Education

Level 2 Bus Driver Apprenticeship

Job description

Salary

£13.64 per hour (Over £31k following completion of training)

• 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 enhancing your learning through a Level 2 Apprenticeship Qualification.
• Based at our Preston depot, located at Selbourne Street.
• Pay rate during training of £13.64 per hour (training will last 6 – 8 weeks)
• Annual earnings of £31,434 following completion of training based on 39 hours per week as a qualified Bus Driver
• Shift patterns of 5 over 7

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 Preston depot.

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.

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 Preston depot

At our Preston depot, we operate a fleet of 128 buses covering the areas of South Lancashire with a team of 351 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, free travel for you and a companion, 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
• 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!

Equal Opportunities

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.

Location

Preston Bus Station, Tithebarn Street, Preston PR1 1YU