Trainee Driver - Hourly

Stagecoach Group; South Shields; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 23,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully paid training

Free travel for you and a companion

28 days holiday

Pension

Discounts

Job summary

Stagecoach Sunderland is offering a Level 2 Bus Driver Apprenticeship. You’ll train to gain your PCV licence with fully paid training, earning from £13.41 per hour during training, rising to £13.95 after training and £16.74 per hour after your first year, based on a 37-hour week.

Location is Dundas Street Sunderland, with chances to progress into roles such as Inspector or Controller while delivering safe, friendly customer service across Stagecoach’s community networks.

Job description

Salary

£13.95p/h after training, rising to £16.74p/h after your first 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 enhancing your learning through a Level 2 Apprenticeship Qualification.


• Based at our Sunderland depot, located at Dundas Street, Sunderland.


• Pay rate during training of £13.41 per hour (training will last 6-8 weeks)


• Annual earnings of £26,840 following completion of training based on 37 hours per week as a qualified Bus Driver (moving to £32,207 after your first year).

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 Sunderland depot.

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 Sunderland depot

At our Sunderland depot, we operate a fleet of 75 buses covering the areas of Sunderland and surrounding areas with a team of almost 200 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)


• 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

Location:

Stagecoach Sunderland Depot North Bridge St, Wheatsheaf Sunderland SR5 1AD

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 appreciative. We welcome applications from all, irrespective of gender, ethnicity, race, religion, beliefs, disability, neurodiversity, sexual orientation, or age.