Passenger transport driver Review
at Stagecoach UK
Level 2 Apprenticeship
Logistics and Operations
Cheltenham, Gloucestershire
Review Submitted: May 2021
Overall Rating
5 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
5/5
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Overview of Role
5/5
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Skills Development
5/5
-
Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
5/5
I’m a bus driver which involves transporting passengers from A to B in a safe and prompt manner, while complying with national laws, regulations and company rules and regulations. The job involves constant interaction with diverse members of the public and also entails working shifts, both late and very early.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
The programme was enjoyable, an excellent formal process, that links you with a group of comrades, who follow you on your journey, with a coordinator who pulls everything together manually and digitally. Lots of in depth study of a wide ranging syllabus, followed by regular refresher periods and consolidation exercises, that ensure knowledge is confirmed. Enjoyed to a great extent.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
I have learnt many new skills in relation to driving a large vehicle and applying appropriate controls. New skills regarding legislation appropriate to the delivery of public service transport services.
New skills in relation to dealing with specific incidents, such as disorder, terrorism, criminality and just simple daily breakdowns or collisions. New skills in relation to service delivery, dealing with various risks associated with driving, control of a bus, including watching out for cyclists to dealing with fires!
New skills in relation to dealing with specific incidents, such as disorder, terrorism, criminality and just simple daily breakdowns or collisions. New skills in relation to service delivery, dealing with various risks associated with driving, control of a bus, including watching out for cyclists to dealing with fires!
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
Very well organised with a very committed and knowledgeable coordinator/ instructor. Learning days were well organised and pre-planned well in advance and notified in good time. Paperwork or digital content was always well planned and was in the right place ready for the days work when needed. This was especially true during the COVID pandemic which made life difficult, but apart from remote sessions there was hardly a blip in the course delivery.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
I have received exceptional support from my employer, who has always ensured I was notified in good time and released from normal duties. Additionally course days were paid promptly and they showed a general interest in the concept of the course and in some cases the various elements that made up the course.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
I felt very supported at all times. My tutor was always available via email or by phone to discuss various aspects of the course or the study material. Any questions or anomaly would be dealt with promptly and usually dealt with in a class basis to ensure everyone was kept up to speed and with confirmed knowledge.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
It definitely helps you to perform better, as your knowledge level is higher. You understand the need for procedures, systems and cultures and you deliver according to those systems and procedures. You have a higher bar to work to and you reach those goals and your service delivery levels are exceptional.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
5/5
There are extra-curricular activities, concerning sporting activities and trades union activities as well as less formal groups such as the “Cab committee” which is a group of operational drivers and the engineering staff, the two normally separated and not normally connected and sometimes even at odds. There are also a number of stagecoach promoted groups direct3d online on the intranet blink.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Stagecoach UK to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Good employer, well organised, supportive, helpful, disciplined and well managed. They are committed to high levels of service delivery and customer excellence within all service sectors. They are committed to on-time, dependable, reliable services, delivered in an environmentally sustainable way, with the newest, cleanest buses, well kept, clean and a pleasure to travel in for the public.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Stagecoach UK?
Apply and be committed to attain all the necessary qualifications and to deliver top quality public transport. To be committed to high levels of service delivery, excellence when dealing with the very diverse members of the public. Committed to coming to work on time, well rested and ready to work hard.
