National construction firm Interserve has joined forces with London bus company Abellio to launch a new apprenticeship programme.

Under a £900,000 contract, Interserve will deliver a Passenger Transport Bus Driver Level 2 apprenticeship, giving new employees the training and support they need to become a fully-qualified, confident and safe bus driver. The company's Learning & Employment division will lead the programme.

This apprenticeship, in partnership with Abellio, will enrol up to 160 apprentices a year.

The apprenticeships will start in September and from that month, any new driver joining Abellio who hasn't already got their Passenger Carrying Vehicle licence will be automatically enrolled onto the scheme. A driver recruitment campaign has already started.

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Interserve Learning & Employment (ILE) was the country's first large training provider to launch a bespoke apprenticeship for bus drivers, and already works with other passenger transport bus operators. This means ILE has built a wealth of experience in the sector. The apprenticeship sits within the Apprenticeship Levy framework and combines practical training with off-the-job learning which complements Abellio's commitment to quality driving, exceptional customer service and safety. The apprenticeship will also reflect the high standards set by Transport for London.

Tony Wilson, Managing Director at Abellio, said: "The Passenger Transport Apprenticeship offers an outstanding opportunity to provide a fully rounded training environment that gives individuals new to the industry the best possible start to their career. Through a far wider and more extensive programme than has traditionally been made available, we will ensure that graduates of the course become confident and safe bus drivers who are also equipped with excellent customer service skills."