Stagecoach Merseyside, Cheshire and South Lancashire recruits a cohort of new engineering apprentices every year and places them in a four-year training programme. Tony McDonough reports

Merseyside’s second-biggest bus operator Stagecoach is inviting applications to its engineering apprenticeship scheme.

Stagecoach Merseyside, Cheshire and South Lancashire recruits a cohort of new engineering apprentices every year and places them in a four-year training programme.

At the end of the first three years, apprentices will gain an Advanced Apprenticeship in Bus and Coach Engineering Maintenance.

While the fourth year of the programme has been specially designed by Stagecoach UK Bus and is approved and certificated by the Institute of the Motor Industry. Stagecoach also offers membership of the Society of Operations Engineers upon completion of the course.

The apprenticeship scheme is open to applicants of any age, who have three GCSEs at grade C or above and a genuine interest in engineering. Apprentices are paired with a mentor who provides support and guidance throughout their training.

Tony Cockcroft, engineering director at Stagecoach Merseyside and South Lancashire, who oversees the company’s apprenticeship programme, said: “Our apprentice programme is a key part of the business and helps to ensure we’re nurturing and developing the next generation of highly skilled engineers.

“The majority of our apprentices go on to have rewarding, highly successful careers within our award-winning, innovative business.”

For more information, or to apply for the programme, click here.