Trainee Driver - Hourly

stagecoach; Carlisle; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Training paid while learning

Competitive hourly rates

Overtime opportunities

Career progression opportunities

Pension

Free travel for you and a companion

26 days holiday (approx)

Job summary

Stagecoach Carlisle is recruiting for trainee bus drivers at our Willowholme depot. No prior driving experience required; you’ll be paid to train while you learn and earn £16 per hour once qualified. Training lasts 6–10 weeks, £14.80 per hour during training, and annual earnings around £34,112 based on 41 hours per week.

You’ll drive a 65-bus fleet in the Carlisle area with flexible shifts. We offer a welcoming, inclusive environment, pension, free travel for you and a companion, and clear

Qualifications

• Over 18 years old with one year of recent driving experience.
• Hold a driving licence with no more than 6 penalty points.
• Right to work in the UK with 183 days in the UK for DVLA requirements.
• Patient, safe and courteous approach with a positive attitude.
• Willingness to learn and be part of a brilliant team.
• Great customer service mindset.

Responsibilities

• Complete industry leading training and secure a PCV licence.
• Drive the fleet safely and confidently to ensure a great journey.
• Deliver top-notch customer service and welcome all passengers.
• Create a welcoming environment and care for customers’ needs.
• Work flexible shifts including early mornings, evenings and weekends.

Skills

Customer service

Team player

Safety conscious

Tools

UK driving licence

PCV licence

Job description

Salary

£16.00 per hour

Once qualified £16.00 per hour (£656 per week) with typical annualised earnings of £34,112 based on an average of 41 hours per week

Your new career starts here at Stagecoach, no experience needed

Based at our Carlisle depot, located at Willowholme

Pay rate during training of £14.80 per hour (training will last 6 - 10 weeks)

Annual earnings of £34,112 following completion of training based on 41 hours per week as a qualified Bus Driver

Shift patterns of 5 days 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 Kendal depot.

No experience driving a bus? No problem! We'll pay you to train whilst we invest significantly in your training. 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

At our Carlisle depot, we operate a fleet of 65 buses covering the Carlisle area, Northern Cumbria, The Lakes, Southern Scotland and Newcastle with a team of 175 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 Leading Drivers, CPC Trainers and Instructors 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 (inc bank holidays), 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
• 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 over 18 years old have one year recent driving experience 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)
• 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?

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:

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