The Go-Ahead Group has become the first provider of bus and rail services to be nationally recognised for the quality of apprenticeships.
After gaining the unique certification from the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA), Go-Ahead can deliver apprenticeships without a training partner.
While it has recognised individual train and bus operating companies in the past, Go-Ahead is the first transport provider operating both services to be accredited.
Go-Ahead expects to take more than 300 apprentices a year once the programme is rolled out.
Group chief executive David Brown says: “Go-Ahead is an employer that invests in its people, and that includes both existing staff and future talent.
“The team worked hard to achieve the ESFA accreditation and I am delighted that we now offer both apprenticeships and a graduate scheme.”
The ESFA is an executive agency responsible for funding education and skills for children, young people and adults, operating under the Department for Education.