Stagecoach promotes the importance of learning on the job

Stagecoach has been supporting the Scottish Government's Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) initiative, which is designed to better prepare young people for the world of work.
Abbie Gunn is an engineering apprentice at the Cumbernauld depotAbbie Gunn is an engineering apprentice at the Cumbernauld depot
Abbie Gunn is an engineering apprentice at the Cumbernauld depot

As well as providing apprenticeships, Stagecoach has been involved with DYW regional groups set up to connect employers with education.

The company offers work experience and work placement opportunities and many of its employees have been involved in mentoring programmes to help build the skills and confidence of young people.

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As part of Scottish National Apprenticeship Week its has been sharing the experiences of some of its apprentices. Among them is Abbie Gunn, one of the engineering apprentices based at the Cumbernauld depot.

Abbie said: “I joined the Stagecoach apprenticeship scheme after realising I wanted to do a job that was hands-on.

"I was particularly interested in working with buses and coaches to prove that women can do as much heavy work as men.

"One of the highlights of my apprenticeship has been finally enjoying going to work, although I’m not as keen on having to work in the cold!

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"However, I definitely would recommend apprenticeships to others as a great way to learn whilst earning money.”

Stagecoach employs around 800 apprentices across Great Britain, and as well as ensuring the workforce represents the communities it serves, apprenticeships provide opportunities for internal development and succession planning.

UK managing director Carla Stockton-Jones said: “Amongst the terrible human cost of the Covid-19 crisis, the impact on our country’s young people and their prospects is of major concern.

"Apprenticeships are a critical part of the way forward, and as we mark Scottish Apprenticeship Week, it’s vital that we all play our part in helping the country to re-build and help our young people to kick start their careers.

“Giving our young people a chance can pay huge dividends for them individually, for their employers, and for the country’s skills base. More than ever this year, we owe that to our young people.”