People from all walks of life are giving up unrewarding jobs to embark on a fulfilling new career, driving buses with Stagecoach.
The bus operator, which is actively recruiting in Cumbria and North Lancashire, offers an attractive package of pay and benefits and provides comprehensive driver training leading to a PCV licence.
Andreea Serea-Antonescu, 38, from Romania, moved to Cumbria with her daughter in 2020 after spending most of her working life on cruise ships.
She joined Stagecoach last year despite having no experience of driving buses.
“Stagecoach’s training and instructors were really thorough and I felt confident that I was ready to drive a big bus,” she said.
“I just love it. I feel like I’m the king of the road.
“I mostly drive around Carlisle. I love meeting and talking to people and look forward to seeing my regulars, especially the older generation. I feel like I make a real difference to their day by being friendly and chatty.”
She added: “Stagecoach are a great company to work for when you have other commitments as they are supportive and flexible with shifts and holidays.
“A perk of the job is free bus travel for your family, which saves me a fortune for my daughter to get to and from school.”
Mark Blacklock, 45, from Egremont, was discharged from the Royal Navy with a shoulder injury then spent five years looking for a job he would enjoy before joining Stagecoach 18 months ago.
He only passed his car driving test in 2016 but took to buses like a duck to water. “This role suits me perfectly,” he said. “In the military, discipline and structure of routine is drummed into you. The predictability and consistency that bus driving has built into my life has been integral to my enjoyment.
“I’d definitely encourage ex-military personnel to consider a career with Stagecoach. Applying for my job was the best decision I ever made.”
Applicants must be 18 or over and have a full UK car driving licence.
Trainees are paid from day one. Once qualified, typical annual earnings are £26,500 rising to £27,500 within 12 months. Benefits include a minimum of 28 days’ paid holiday, a generous pension and free bus travel.
Tom Waterhouse, interim managing director of Stagecoach Cumbria and North Lancashire, said: “We’re looking for people who enjoy working with the public and who have a zest for life with a positive outlook and personality.
“People are beginning to realise what a great career this is. We’ve got staff who have been with us for 15, 20, 25 even 30 years. You don’t stay with a company that length of time unless you feel valued and get job satisfaction.”
As well as drivers, Stagecoach is recruiting for other roles including fitters, mechanics, coachbuilders and cleaners.
To see all vacancies, and to apply, visit the Stagecoach website.
