Lothian has become the first Scottish bus operator to provide its new driver recruits with a customised award upon completion of the training that is certified and quality assured by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA).
Under the new accreditation, trainee drivers will earn a Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework Level 6 Customised Award for Driver Training with 10 credits and will receive a record of achievement for their efforts. That sits alongside being trained to a high standard as a safe and competent bus driver by the operator.
The in-house Lothian bus driver training school processed 450 recruits in 2024. It develops knowledge and understanding and lays the foundations for what the business says is “a long and rewarding career.”
Skills taught go beyond those required for safe operation of the vehicle, Lothian adds. They include how to work safely within depots, effective communication, customer interaction, and how to deal with unusual or emergency situations.
Speaking about the addition to the training package, Lothian Operations Director Willie Hamilton (pictured, right) says: “We take great pride in how much we invest in our people to provide them with the tools, resources and skills required to not only do their job to a high standard, but to feel a sense of accomplishment in their abilities.
“We are delighted to now be able to offer trainee drivers this customised award which demonstrates the breadth of their learning and hopefully inspires others to consider a career in the sector as a bus driver.”
Adds Scottish Qualifications Authority Regional Manager for Edinburgh and the Lothians Theresa McGowan (pictured, left): “The qualifications and customised awards that SQA offers enable employers like Lothian to tailor courses to fit their specific needs while maintaining a high standard of training.
“I am pleased that trainee Lothian drivers now have the opportunity to obtain a qualification; a great way to recognise and acknowledge their achievements.”
