Stelian Schumacher has become regional bus operator Go North West’s one hundredth Bus Driver Apprentice. By channelling the famous Formula 1 family’s drive and passion, he is surely heading for success.
The ambitious apprenticeship programme was launched in October. It ensures that, beyond the usual qualifications, Go North West’s Bee Network drivers receive substantial extra training during their first 12 months. This helps them enhance skills vital to delivering the very best passenger experience.
Reaching the 100th Bus Driver Apprentice milestone highlights the company’s ongoing commitment to providing top-tier training and development for their drivers across the Bee Network. The apprenticeships are conducted at the company’s Elite Driver Academy in Bolton.
Stelian had previously studied criminology at university and worked as a police constable for the Lancashire Constabulary before joining Go North West this month as part of the company’s 21st intake of apprentices.
Schumacher said: “I’m really enjoying the programme. It’s different from what I’ve done before, but I feel confident I’m learning everything I need to be a great bus driver. The team here is so supportive, I can’t wait to get out on the road.”
Adam Underwood, Training Manager at Go North West, explains: “It’s great to see colleagues joining us from such varied backgrounds—retail, banking, nursing, hospitality—all raring to go and embrace bus driving as a profession. Operating some of the largest Bee Network franchises across Greater Manchester means there are great opportunities for career development too.”
Adam added: “We wish Stelian all the very best. It’s great to have him on board. And, although he shares the same name as the superstar Schumacher family, he has no thirst for speed and will, of course, stick to all the applicable speed limits!”
The driver apprentice programme is delivered in partnership with training provider Realise. Interested candidates can find out more about the scheme by visiting: Join our driver team – Go North West. Go North West is part of the Go-Ahead Group, named as the leading apprenticeship employer in the transport industry for 2023.
