Stagecoach drives forward workforce diversity during National Apprenticeship Week 2026
This National Apprenticeship Week, Stagecoach, the UK’s largest bus and coach operator, is celebrating a milestone year for its vocational training schemes. With a record-breaking expansion of its Driver Apprenticeship Programme, the Company is setting a new gold standard for transport training in the UK.
As of February 2026, Stagecoach is supporting 218 active driver apprentices, with a demographic breakdown that highlights a shifting tide in the transport sector: 20% (45) are female, and 73% are over the age of 25. This data debunks the common misconception that apprenticeships are “just for younger people,” proving that career pivots into the transport industry are accessible at any life stage.
2026 marks the most ambitious period for Stagecoach’s workforce development. Stagecoach is now the only bus operator outside of London to offer driver apprenticeships across its English operating companies. The Company expects to welcome up to 100 new learners every single month throughout the year.
Ben Gledhill, Head of Talent Acquisition & Employability at Stagecoach, said:
“Developing safe, confident, and customer-focused drivers is central to everything we do,”
“By embedding apprenticeships into our core ‘Driving Excellence’ model, we aren’t just teaching people to drive a bus; we are investing in a standard of quality and consistency that defines the future of public transport.”
The Level 2 Bus Driver Qualification is delivered in partnership with Realise, a leader in workplace-based learning. The 12–14 month programme offers a unique blend of:
- Structured learning: Balanced on-the-job experience with off-the-road technical training.
- Full funding: Supported by the Apprenticeship Levy and regulated by the ESFA, meaning there is no cost to the driver.
- Driving excellence: Integration into a wider corporate programme that provides support and engagement far beyond standard training requirements.
Since launching its driver apprenticeship in 2018, Stagecoach has seen over 1,000 drivers successfully complete the programme and qualify as road professionals.
While the driver programme sees rapid growth, Stagecoach continues to bolster its technical teams. In the 2024/25 business year, 55 engineering apprentices graduated across Scotland, England, and Wales.
Partnering with GTG Training Ltd, the MECHELEC & Body apprenticeship offers an intensive three-year journey covering mechanical, electrical, and bodywork skills. Stagecoach also provides a fourth year of continued support, involving external supplier-led courses to ensure technicians transition into their qualified roles with maximum confidence and technical capability.
Stagecoach is consistently recruiting for trainee apprentice drivers across its England operating companies (excluding London). Those looking for a career change that offers “earn-while-you-learn” benefits and long-term stability are encouraged to apply.
