Trainee Bus Driver - Kilmarnock

Trainee Bus Driver - Kilmarnock

Kilmarnock Apprenticeship No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Drive our buses safely while providing excellent customer service to passengers.
  • Company: Join Stagecoach, the UK's leading bus company with a commitment to community and sustainability.
  • Benefits: Enjoy paid training, competitive pay, free travel, and 25 days holiday.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while building a rewarding career.
  • Qualifications: Must be 18+, hold a valid driving licence, and have a positive attitude.
  • Other info: Inclusive workplace culture with opportunities for growth and development.

Please confirm that you are happy to continue on this basis.

  • Your new career starts here at Stagecoach, no experience needed
  • Earn while you learn, we provide fully paid training to help you gain your PCV licence
  • Based at our Kilmarnock depot
  • Pay rate of £14.00 per hour, rising to £14.50 in February 2026 (training will last 6 – 8 weeks)
  • Annual earnings of £28,392 following completion of training based on 39 hours per week as a qualified Bus Driver
  • Shift patterns of early, middles and late. 5 Days over 7.

Looking for a job with real purpose? A career that moves you forward?

At Stagecoach, we don’t just offer jobs; we offer careers. Our drivers are the heartbeat of our communities, connecting people to work, school, friends, and family. And now, we’re looking for more friendly, safety-conscious people to join our team at our Kilmarnock depot.

No experience driving a bus? No problem! We’ll pay you to train, cover the cost of your PCV licence, and equip you with everything you need to not only succeed but flourish on the road. All we ask for is a great attitude to learning, a genuine desire to make a positive difference to people’ s daily lives, a passion for exceptional customer experience and a full UK driving licence.

Our working environment

We offer a welcoming and inclusive work environment across Stagecoach, where colleagues support each other, and managers are committed to creating great places to work. We also have a wide range of employee networks to ensure everyone feels valued and included, along with a 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme to support your and your family’s health and wellbeing.

At our Kilmarnock depot, we operate a fleet of 76 buses covering the areas of East, North, and South Ayrshire as well as Glasgow, with a team of 190 Drivers.

This isn’t just about driving a bus—it’s about making a difference every day. You’ll be a friendly face in someone’s day, offering a warm welcome, answering questions, and helping people feel safe and supported on their journey. Ready to get behind the wheel? Let’s go!

Why choose Stagecoach?

  • We’ll cover all your training costs, so you earn while you learn
  • Competitive hourly rates, plus opportunities for overtime
  • Great career opportunities growing into roles such as Inspector, Controller, Instructor alongside leadership and cross functional openings across the UK
  • A permanent, stable career in a respected market leading organisation with a great future focussed on sustainable, clean energy vehicles
  • Our benefits including pension, 25 days holiday, free travel for you and a companion and a wide range of discounts

What will you be doing?

  • Completing our industry leading training, securing your PCV licence followed by ongoing CPC training and professional development
  • Driving our fantastic fleet safely, smoothly with confidence
  • Making sure every single customer has a great journey
  • Delivering top-notch customer service, helping people of all ages and backgrounds
  • Creating a welcoming environment where customers feel respected, cared for, and looked after, especially those who rely on us most
  • Working flexible shifts, including early mornings, evenings, and weekends

What do you need to apply?

  • You need to be 18 years old and hold a driving licence with no more than 6 penalty points
  • Right to work in the UK (You will need to have been in the UK for a minimum of 183 days as a part of DVLA requirement)
  • A patient, safe and courteous approach to driving
  • Being the face of Stagecoach, a positive, friendly attitude and a passion for delivering great customer service
  • A willingness to learn and be part of a brilliant team
  • Our recruitment process is simple; a short application (around 3 – 4 minutes), followed by an interview assessing your experience & behaviours

Ready to take the driver’s seat?

Click apply now to start your Stagecoach journey today. We can’t wait to welcome you on board!

Stagecoach is proudly an inclusive employer, striving for a culture where everyone can be themselves and where all the differences people bring are truly appreciated. We welcome applications from all, irrespective of gender, ethnicity, race, religion, beliefs, disability, neurodiversity, sexual orientation or age. We also live by our five values across Stagecoach; We plan for the future, We do the right thing, We are stronger together, We are down to earth and We support communities

Stagecoach is proudly an inclusive employer, striving for a culture where everyone can be themselves and where all the differences people bring are truly appreciated. We welcome applications from all, irrespective of gender, ethnicity, race, religion, beliefs, disability, neurodiversity, sexual orientation, or age.

Location:

Kilmarnock Bus Station Green Street Kilmarnock KA1 1LN

Welcome to Stagecoach, the UK’s #1 bus company.

Who We Are

Every day we help millions of passengers get to the people and places that matter to them,
connecting the communities we are proud to serve.

About Us

Founded in 1980, Stagecoach has established itself as the UK’s largest transport operator, with services connecting more than 100 major towns and cities in England, Scotland, and Wales. We work with our partners to deliver a greener, smarter, safer, healthier, and fairer country. Providing extensive expertise in commercial and contracted markets, we assist national and regional government to deliver on ambitious plans for their citizens, communities, and local economy. Our team of 26,000 employees are proud to serve our customers and be an integral part of their local communities.

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Trainee Bus Driver - Kilmarnock employer: 491 Lincolnshire Road Car Company Limited

Stagecoach is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and well-being of its employees, offering fully paid training to become a qualified Bus Driver while earning a competitive wage. With a strong commitment to inclusivity and community support, our Kilmarnock depot fosters a welcoming work culture where every team member is valued, and opportunities for career advancement abound. Join us to make a meaningful impact in your community while enjoying benefits like free travel and generous holiday allowances.
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Contact Detail:

491 Lincolnshire Road Car Company Limited Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Trainee Bus Driver - Kilmarnock

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the local area around Kilmarnock. Knowing the routes and key landmarks can give you an edge during your interview, showing your commitment and readiness to engage with the community.

✨Tip Number 2

Demonstrate your customer service skills in your interactions. Whether it's at the interview or when speaking with current employees, showcasing your ability to connect with people will align well with Stagecoach's values.

✨Tip Number 3

Be prepared to discuss your willingness to learn and adapt. Since this role involves training for a PCV licence, expressing enthusiasm for learning new skills will resonate well with the hiring team.

✨Tip Number 4

Showcase your positive attitude and teamwork spirit. Stagecoach values a supportive work environment, so sharing examples of how you've worked well in teams or helped others can strengthen your application.

We think you need these skills to ace Trainee Bus Driver - Kilmarnock

Full UK Driving Licence
Customer Service Skills
Communication Skills
Patience
Safety Awareness
Teamwork
Adaptability
Positive Attitude
Time Management
Problem-Solving Skills
Flexibility in Shift Patterns
Commitment to Learning
Empathy
Attention to Detail

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Read through the job description carefully to understand what Stagecoach is looking for in a Trainee Bus Driver. Highlight key responsibilities and required skills, such as customer service and a positive attitude.

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects your relevant experience and skills. Even if you don't have direct driving experience, emphasise any customer service roles or teamwork experiences that showcase your ability to connect with people.

Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that expresses your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Mention why you want to work at Stagecoach and how you align with their values, such as community support and customer service.

Prepare for the Interview: Think about potential interview questions related to customer service and teamwork. Be ready to share examples of how you've positively impacted others in previous roles, even if they weren't driving-related.

How to prepare for a job interview at 491 Lincolnshire Road Car Company Limited

✨Show Your Enthusiasm

Make sure to express your excitement about the role and the opportunity to work with Stagecoach. Highlight your passion for customer service and how you can contribute positively to the community.

✨Demonstrate a Willingness to Learn

Since no prior experience is required, emphasise your eagerness to learn during the training period. Share examples of how you've successfully adapted to new situations or learned new skills in the past.

✨Highlight Your People Skills

As a bus driver, you'll be interacting with a diverse range of passengers. Be prepared to discuss your experience in providing excellent customer service and how you handle different personalities and situations.

✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions

Expect questions that assess your behaviour and attitude, such as how you would handle difficult customers or stressful situations. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses effectively.

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