London operator Metroline has commenced a pilot bus driver apprenticeship scheme in partnership with supplier Realise.
Over 20 apprentice drivers are set to be engaged for depots at Cricklewood, Perivale and Willesden Junction. The programme will be 13 months in length and start in September. Those taking part will be on the road as a driver within two months of commencement.
The Level 2 apprenticeship will see learners obtain a PCV licence as well as gaining other skills associated with being a bus driver in areas including safety, customer service, and route familiarisation.
Realise already works with major operators First Bus, Go-Ahead, and Stagecoach, and its Road to Success programme has been adopted by several Combined Authorities in England to help to develop new bus drivers for their respective areas.
Speaking about the collaboration with Realise, Metroline Recruitment Manager Iain Maple says: “We are delighted to be introducing an apprenticeship programme for bus drivers, creating opportunities for people to launch a new career.
“Our comprehensive bus service in London helps to keep people in the capital moving, so creating a regular flow of new talent, and providing them with apprenticeship and training opportunities, will ensure that we can maintain the excellent customer service we are renowned for.
“Realise has a reputation for outstanding training delivery across a number of sectors, including bus driving, and it has a talented and experienced team. We are excited about the pilot and the curriculum we are producing in conjunction with Realise, and we look forward to creating many talented new bus drivers of the future.”
Realise Operations Director Kairon Flowers says that the supplier is proud to support the Metroline venture into bus driver apprenticeships.
She adds: “We have extensive experience of delivering bus driving training across the country, through both apprenticeships and adult learning. All our trainers have experience in the industry and know the value of bus services to local communities.
“A modern-day bus driver can forge an excellent career and the apprenticeship can not only provide a route to that but can also leave an individual well placed to earn a promotion in the future.”
