LOTHIAN Buses has become the first Scottish bus operator to award new drivers an SQA award upon completing their training.
The bus company operating in Edinburgh and the Lothians has an in-house training school that successfully trained 450 new bus drivers in 2024.
The training is said to “develop knowledge and understanding and lays the foundations for a long and rewarding career as a Lothian bus driver”.
With the new accreditation, trainee drivers will not only be fully prepared to get behind the wheel as competent bus drivers, but they will earn an SCQF Level 6 Customised Award for Driver Training with 10 credits and will receive a record of achievement for their efforts.
Lothian Buses’ training school teaches new recruits a wide range of skills that go beyond operating their vehicles.
These include working safely in the bus depot, effective communication, customer interaction, and dealing with unusual/emergency situations.
Willie Hamilton, operations director at Lothian Buses, said: “We take great pride in how much we invest in our people to provide them with the tools, resources and skills required to not only do their job to a high standard but to feel a sense of accomplishment in their abilities.
“We’re delighted to now be able to offer trainee drivers this customised award, which demonstrates the breadth of their learning and hopefully inspires others to consider a career in the bus sector as a bus driver.”
Theresa McGowan, regional manager for Edinburgh and the Lothians at SQA said: “The qualifications and customised awards that SQA offer enable employers like Lothian to tailor courses to fit their specific needs while maintaining a high standard of training.
“I’m pleased that trainee Lothian drivers now have the opportunity to obtain a qualification; a great way to recognise and acknowledge their achievements.”
Those interested in a career as a Lothian bus driver can find out more here.
