Stagecoach invests in next generation of engineers

Twelve young people from across the North West are starting their careers in the transport industry with an apprenticeship scheme run by bus operator Stagecoach Merseyside and South Lancashire.

The company has welcomed its latest crop of apprentices, aged from 17 to 26, who are learning their trade across the operator’s depots in Liverpool, Wirral, Chester, and Preston.

Each year, Stagecoach recruits up to twelve apprentices in the region, offering them the opportunity to combine practical, varied, on-the-job training with theoretical study.

Stagecoach offers mechanical technician, body works and electrician courses and each apprentice receives guidance on the practical day-to-day operational element of the apprenticeship programme from a dedicated mentor.

This real-world experience is supplemented with a specialist industry accredited course in Glasgow that the apprentices attend to learn all aspects of engineering from health and safety to the use of high tech diagnostics.

Tony Cockcroft, engineering director at Stagecoach Merseyside and South Lancashire started off as a vehicle fitter apprentice with Wirral Borough Council.

He said: “Apprenticeships can take you as far as you want to go which is why we encourage our apprentices to continue up the ladder into managerial and even director-level roles.

“We support our apprentices every step of the way. From the very start they receive on-the-job training in the workshop and gain experience in real-world working environments. They’re guided through their studies and given the chance to put the theory they’re learning into practice at every available opportunity.

“Having started out as an apprentice myself, I understand the value of hands-on learning where people can really get stuck in. We really recognise what young apprentices have to offer and are committed to investing in the engineering talent of the future.”

Stagecoach Merseyside and South Lancashire employs more than 1,200 staff and has over 400 vehicles serving 42 million customers a year.