The latest cohort of driver trainees at Stagecoach have shown that bus driving is a suitable career regardless of age.
Albert Thomas in particular has shown that it’s never too late to fulfil your dreams by becoming a bus driver at the age of 60.
Wigan-based Albert joins the industry after 44 years working as an engineer in machine tool making. But he says it has always been a dream of his to be a bus driver.
“I almost took up an apprenticeship with a bus company back in Liverpool as a lad,” he says. “But ended up in engineering.”
It was when he saw an advert to start training with Stagecoach that Albert finally took the opportunity to change career. “The application process was really easy and I’d read good reviews from current Stagecoach employees online so decided to give it a shot.
“I absolutely love driving. There’s something very freeing about being out and about on the roads all day, meeting new people and being in my own little cabin.”
Also among the latest driver trainees to join the operator is 20-year-old Lewis White, a former draftsman from Oldham.
“I was bored of sitting inside an office all day and I knew that I loved driving, so it just made sense to give bus driving a go,” he says. “The work culture here is amazing and everyone has been really supportive all throughout the training process. I’d recommend bus driving to anyone looking for a rewarding career change.”
Comments Lee Wasnidge, Managing Director of Stagecoach Manchester: “Albert and Lewis’ stories show that a career in bus travel with Stagecoach can be a rewarding career for anyone, from any background. All you need to start your training process with us is a driving licence with no more than six penalty points and an ambition to deliver an excellent experience for our customers.
“The Confederation of Passenger Transport is running a nationwide driver recruitment week from 21-27 February, so we’re hoping to see even more applicants explore training opportunities with us and become drivers for Greater Manchester in the not-too-distant future.”
