All aboard for our new bus driver apprenticeship scheme

We’ve officially launched our brand-new bus driver apprenticeship scheme, opening the door to a successful career in transport across Yorkshire and Lancashire.

Here at Transdev, along with recruiting the best people, it’s also important that we train up our next generation of bus drivers in-house – that’s why we’ve partnered with an industry leader to deliver an innovative new apprenticeship programme in 2026.

Investing in our future driver colleagues

For the past few years, Transdev has been developing a brand-new Level 2 bus driver apprenticeship scheme, and today, we’re delighted to announce that our first class of learners have started their journey toward a successful career in transport.

This exciting new programme has been built in collaboration with Realise – one of the UK’s leading providers – and will take eight months to complete, with around 326 hours of training being delivered by our industry experts at The Academy.

Each apprenticeship is valued at £8000, which will be funded in full and directly through Transdev’s Apprenticeship Levy. This represents a substantial investment in our future driver colleagues, both in terms of time and money across our nine regional bus companies.

By the end of 2026, we’ll have several new cohorts of qualified bus drivers ready to open their doors to customers in Yorkshire and Lancashire!

Apprenticeship myth-busting

Apprenticeships aren’t just for school leavers, apprenticeships are open to anyone and everyone who’s willing to learn new skills, attitudes and behaviours – no matter their age or background.

In fact, there are a few common misconceptions that we’d like to dispel:

• Pay Parity – Many people still believe that you don’t earn income when you’re on an apprenticeship, but bus drivers are paid at the same rate while on the scheme. Meaning you’ll earn the usual Transdev Trainee rate of pay.
• Funding – Many people still believe that apprenticeships are funded entirely by the Government, but since 2017, apprenticeships in the UK have been funded via the employers’ Apprenticeship Levy. Meaning the company pays for the training.
• Age – Many people still believe that apprenticeships are only for school leavers and not for those who are simply looking for a career change. But there’s no upper age limit, and apprenticeships aren’t age discriminatory. Meaning anyone can participate at any time.
• Training Time – Many people still believe that apprentices spend all their time in the classroom. While this qualification does take eight months to complete, learners will be driving buses alongside their mentor well before graduation day. Meaning you’ll be on the road in no time.

A new era in apprenticeships for Transdev

At Transdev, we have some of the most experienced PCV driver instructors in the entire British transport industry on our team – and this new programme is designed to take advantage of that shared expertise.

For Training Manager Dale French, both the course and our partnership with Realise represent a new era in how we train and support colleagues.

“Our new apprenticeship scheme is hugely significant for us; not only will it enhance our current training experience for colleagues but also open the door to a whole new cohort of local talent.

“By investing in this new programme, Transdev are also investing in the communities we serve across the North of England. With more well-trained driver colleagues, we are confident that this new scheme will enhance the quality of the service we provide, leading to more reliable buses for our customers for years to come.”

Kairon Flowers, Director of Transport at Realise, celebrated the partnership: “We are excited to partner with Transdev and to play our part in ensuring the bus provider has well-trained, skilled drivers to serve Lancashire and Yorkshire.

“We have extensive experience in delivering bus driving training across the country, helping more than 1,000 people enter the industry through both apprenticeships and adult skills. All our trainers have prior experience in the industry and know the value of bus services to local communities.

“Buses are of critical importance to cities, towns and villages, so safeguarding services by developing skills is vital. For individuals, apprenticeships can not only provide a route to a stable, fulfilling new career but can also leave them well placed to earn a promotion in the future.”

With Transdev’s industry experts beside them at the wheel, our new learners are now on their way toward a successful career in the British transport industry.

Information on how to apply for a bus driver apprenticeship with Transdev can be found on our ‘Work For Us’ page.