A Career in Travel & Transport....Your Future in Motion
From the bustling streets of Oban to the ferry routes of the Hebrides, a career in transport isn’t just about getting people from A to B. It’s about connecting communities, being a vital public service and having an offce with some of the most stunning views in the world.
A Career in Travel & Transport....Your Future in MotionOn the road
Today’s bus driver is a skilled professional, a customer service expert and the friendly face of your local community. Companies like West Coast Motors and Shiel Buses are the lifeblood of our towns and cities, whether getting people to the shops or across the country. As a driver, you’re in command of a powerful vehicle, responsible for the safety and comfort of your passengers. It’s a job that requires concentration, a calm head and great people skills.
The best part? You don’t need a special licence to get started. Most major bus companies offer fully funded training programmes. To be eligible, you typically need to be over 18 and hold a full UK car driving licence. The company will then pay for your training and tests to get your Passenger Carrying Vehicle (PCV) licence. This is a way to gain a valuable, professional qualification without any student debt. Look for "Trainee" roles on thier company websites.
www.westcoastmotors.co.uk/join-our-team
www.citylink.co.uk/careers
www.shielbuses.co.uk/job-opportunities
On the rails
The railway network is the backbone of Scotland, connecting our major cities, towns and scenic rural areas. While becoming a train driver is a popular ambition and a wonderful long-term goal - there are many other exciting ways to get your career on track.
Entry-level roles are a great starting point. You could work as a Conductor (Ticket Examiner), where you are responsible for the train and its passengers, or as Station Staff , helping customers and ensuring the smooth running of your station. These roles are all about customer service, safety and teamwork.
ScotRail is known for its excellent training and clear career progression, meaning a starting job can lead all the way to a driver’s cab or a management role. Keep a close eye on the ScotRail careers website. They regularly advertise for customer service roles, station staff and apprenticeships in areas from engineering to administration. Strong communication skills and a focus on safety are what they look for most.
Find out more at www.scotrail.co.uk/about-scotrail/careers.
Making waves
For a truly unique career, why not make the sea your offce? Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac) provides lifeline ferry services to the islands and peninsulas of the west coast. Working for CalMac means you are part of a proud tradition connecting communities.
You could start as a Deck Rating, assisting with the mooring and safety of the vessel, or work in a customer-facing role as a Steward in the onboard café and shop. The work can be demanding, and you may work shifts away from home, but the camaraderie of the crew and the stunning scenery are unbeatable rewards.
CalMac regularly offers Modern Apprenticeships for both Deck and Engineering roles. These programmes provide all the training you need, including the essential STCW (Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping) safety certificates. This is an opportunity to make money while you learn a highly skilled maritime trade.
Keep an eye on their website for any future opportunities - www.corporate.calmac.co.uk/en-gb/careers
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