Harrogate-based bus firm Transdev has announced the launch of a new flagship bus driver apprenticeship scheme.
Transdev said it is always looking for new opportunities to invest in the next generation of bus drivers, enhance training experiences and develop deeper relationships with local communities across the North of England.
And the bus company has now announced the launch of a brand-new Level 2 Bus Driver Apprenticeship programme – opening the door to a successful career in the transportation industry to more people in Yorkshire and Lancashire.
Starting in January, Transdev’s new Level 2 Bus Driver Apprenticeship will be delivered in partnership with Realise over 326 hours of training and eight months of learning – each individual course is valued at £8000, which will be funded in full and directly through Transdev’s Apprenticeship Levy.
For the public, this means that your next generation of bus drivers will have all been recruited, trained, and supported in-house by some of the most experienced instructors in the British transport industry, before opening their doors to customers in late 2026.
In addition to learning the skills, attitudes and behaviours needed to be a successful bus driver, this innovative new course has also been purposefully designed to be as accessible as possible.
Apprentices will no longer be examined on Functional Skills as a mandatory, standalone component of the course.
Instead, Transdev and Realise will naturally embed Functional Skills throughout the learning experience, improving the maths and English skills of future bus drivers.
For Training Manager Dale French, this new programme is the culmination of years of planning and development at The Academy, Transdev’s Training Centre:
“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 Yorkshire and Lancashire.
“Buses are of critical importance to cities, towns and villages, so safeguarding services by developing skills is vital.
“For individuals, apprenticeships cannot only provide a route to a stable, fulfilling new career but can also leave them well placed to earn a promotion in the future.”
The first class are already enrolled and start their Level 2 Bus Driver Apprenticeships in January 2026.
With Transdev’s industry experts beside them at the wheel, these learners are now on their way toward a successful career in the British transport industry.
Applications for Transdev’s bus driver apprenticeship programme are open online.
More information on the course and how to apply can be found online at: transdevbus.co.uk/careers-pages/work-with-us.
Ripon teenager wins St John Ambulance award
Harrogate MP presses Government on X user bans
Police appeal after car crashes into central reservation on A1(M)
Historic Harrogate Theatre celebrates 126th birthday
Harrogate Town announce loan signing of Dundee striker
Over 100 fire service staff injured across North Yorkshire in three years
Belshaw departs Harrogate Town for Notts County
Harrogate restaurant enjoys successful relaunch under new ownership
Boroughbridge dancers qualify for Dance World Cup
Harrogate Town sign Ipswich goalkeeper on loan
Award-winning violinist brings a touch of Brazilian magic to Harrogate
Harrogate building society to host financial fraud awareness event
North Yorkshire Council warns of 'tough choices' after £40m blow to budget
Global fashion firm marks 20 years in Harrogate with major move
Harrogate siblings take on Hyrox challenge in memory of 'wonderful' dad
Search gets underway for missing Harrogate dog
Harrogate BID brings back grants for businesses to improve store fronts
Disabled man forced to change medication to avoid needing toilet during water supply cut
Police mark one year anniversary of death of PC Rosie Prior
Sign up for Your Local Experiences for chance to win £1,000 prize
