Driving to a new stop in your career with Stagecoach
Europe’s bus and coach industry is facing a critical talent challenge. In fact, according to the International Road Transport Union, the industry is currently dealing with a severe shortage of professional drivers, with approximately 105,000 positions unfilled.
In the coming years, this talent shortage is set to grow, with the average driver age at over 50 meaning a significant wave of retirements is just around the corner. By 2028, vacancies could rise to more than a quarter of the sector’s total workforce. To secure the future of the UK’s local transport network and meet sustainability goals, the industry needs a new generation of skilled professionals.
To tackle the problem, Stagecoach – the UK’s largest bus and coach operator – offers a wide range of apprenticeship career paths, including driving, engineering, customer service and management. This is helping more people get into the industry and unlock fulfilling career opportunities. “We want to provide a supportive environment where people can build lasting careers, because behind every bus, there’s a story of someone building their future,” says Sarah Blake, Chief People Officer at Stagecoach.
From passenger to professional
Charlie Willis’ journey with Stagecoach began at 17-years-old, as a chassis washer, the first step on a path that would see him become an award-winning apprentice and a valued member of the engineering team.
His ambition and natural talent were clear from the start. When the opportunity to join Stagecoach’s Trade Up scheme arose, Charlie seized it. This programme allowed him to transition into a full mechanical apprenticeship, a move that he says: “Allowed me to excel further into the trade and push myself above my expectations every day.”
The mechanical apprenticeship provided Charlie with a deep dive into the complexities of vehicle maintenance and repair. He quickly discovered the depth of knowledge required to keep a modern fleet running smoothly. “It’s taught me lessons about vehicles I’d have never learnt other places,” he explains. “From the varied approach to diagnosis to each and every vehicle having its niche in how they’re designed and operate.”
“Stagecoach’s investment in its people is a long-term vision,” explains Sarah. “By nurturing talent from the ground up, we’re ensuring our fleet is maintained by expert hands, our services are delivered by dedicated professionals, and our future is shaped by leaders who grew from within.
“These apprenticeships are not simply jobs; they’re transformative pathways that empower individuals, strengthen local communities and secure the future of public transport for everyone. Each apprentice’s journey is a vital part of building a better, more connected world, one trip at a time.”
Engineering the future
With the transport industry experiencing a diversity challenge alongside its talent shortfall, helping women into the sector is key – something that apprenticeships can also help with.
Nancy Halpin’s path into Stagecoach is an example of this, with her journey into engineering being anything but direct.
From a young age, Nancy was fascinated by how things worked, but found herself steered towards more traditional career choices. “A school careers adviser told me that ‘engineering isn’t for girls’, a comment that led me to pursue healthcare instead,” Nancy, first year engineering apprentice, shares. “But after starting university and feeling it wasn’t the right fit, I left and found myself at a loose end.”
Nancy’s journey then took an unexpected turn when she became a bus driver for Stagecoach. It was in this role that she discovered an opportunity that would change her life: the Trade Up programme.
She’d always harboured an interest in engineering, and when she heard about the scheme designed to help existing employees retrain, she knew she had to apply. “I couldn’t resist applying and felt fortunate to be given a place,” Nancy says.
Stagecoach’s dynamic environment has been crucial for Nancy’s development. She’s become part of a close-knit team where she can learn from colleagues with a wealth of knowledge and experience. At the same time, the apprenticeship has empowered her to become a valuable contributor in her own right. Stagecoach sends her on specialist courses to deepen her expertise, which has had a surprising and rewarding outcome. “It’s easy to feel like a spare part as an apprentice,” she admits. “But my ongoing training means I can find myself teaching the more experienced engineers a thing or two.” This two-way exchange of knowledge highlights the value that fresh perspectives bring to the industry.
Nancy’s ambition has grown alongside her skills, as she now has her sights set on leadership. “My confidence is building everyday, and I can definitely see myself as engineering director a few years down the line,” she shares. “The sky’s the limit in terms of progression.”
Impact on the company and the community
The success of Stagecoach’s apprenticeship programmes extends far beyond individual career growth; one of the most significant impacts is on local employment. The apprenticeship schemes provide stable, skilled career paths right on people’s doorsteps, offering opportunities to individuals who might otherwise need to relocate for work.
The success of this approach is clear: a high percentage of apprentices choose to stay with Stagecoach after completing their training, progressing into senior roles and becoming the next generation of mentors and leaders.
“We’re always looking for passionate and dedicated individuals who are ready to build a career in the transport industry. Whether you see yourself in the workshop, behind the wheel or in a customer-facing role, there’s an opportunity waiting for you,” says Sarah.
As Nancy puts it: “My advice to anyone thinking about it is to just go for it. You learn so much more on the job than you ever could in a classroom, and you’re earning while you do it. It’s the best decision I ever made.”
Your future career could be just one application away.
https://www.stagecoachbus.com/careers/roles/stagecoach-engineering-apprenticeships
