Trainee Driver - Hourly

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

Benefits offered by this job

Fully paid training

Earn while you learn

Job summary

Stagecoach Sunderland is seeking enthusiastic individuals for a Level 2 Bus Driver Apprenticeship. You will start with fully paid training to gain your PCV licence and learn on the job at Sunderland depot. Earn while you learn as you progress through the apprenticeship.

After completing training, you can expect earnings aligned with 37 hours per week, with progression to higher rates in your first year as a qualified driver. This role emphasises safety, customer service, and community impact.

Qualifications

• 18+ with a valid licence and up to 6 penalty points.
• Right to work in the UK.
• Patient, safe and courteous driving.
• Positive attitude and team player.
• Willingness to learn and join a brilliant team.
• Recruitment process is simple; short application and interview.

Responsibilities

• Complete training and secure your PCV licence.
• Drive our fleet safely and confidently.
• Deliver excellent customer service on every journey.
• Work flexible shifts including mornings, evenings and weekends.
• Create a welcoming environment where customers feel cared for.

Skills

Customer service

Safety minded

Learner mindset

Team player

Flexibility

Education

PCV licence

Level 2 Bus Driver Apprenticeship

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.