Trainer & Development Officer
Our Vision
At Skills Motor Coaches, our mission is to be the most successful Bus & Coach operator in the UK, setting industry-leading standards and being recognised as having the "Best Drivers in the World."
We strive to delight our customers through exceptional passenger transport solutions, delivering safe, professional, and memorable journeys every day. Through investment in our people, modern fleet, and industry-leading training programmes, we continue to raise standards across the coach and bus industry.
Role Overview
We are seeking an enthusiastic, motivated, and professional Trainer & Development Officer to join our Training Department.
This is a varied role that combines practical driver academy training with classroom-based learning and development activities. The successful candidate will be responsible for delivering high-quality training programmes to both new and existing drivers, ensuring compliance with legislation, company standards, and customer service expectations.
Working closely with the Training Manager, Operations Team, HR Department, and Driver Mentors, you will support the recruitment, onboarding, development, and continuous improvement of our driving workforce.
This position offers an excellent opportunity for an experienced trainer or driver development professional who is passionate about developing people and maintaining the highest standards of safety, compliance, and customer service.
Key Responsibilities
Driver Academy & Licence Acquisition Training
- Lead and support the delivery of the Skills Driver Academy programme.
- Assist trainee drivers through the PCV licence acquisition process.
- Deliver practical driver coaching and development sessions.
- Conduct vehicle familiarisation and driver induction programmes.
- Provide support and mentoring to trainee drivers throughout their learning journey.
- Monitor trainee progress and provide constructive feedback.
- Prepare drivers for DVSA practical tests and assessments.
Academic & Compliance Training
- Deliver classroom-based training programmes.
- Deliver refresher training to existing drivers.
- Facilitate workshops, presentations, and practical learning activities.
- Adapt training methods to suit different learning styles and abilities.
Driver Assessment & Development
- Conduct driving assessments and competency evaluations.
- Carry out route familiarisation where required.
- Support investigations into driving incidents and customer complaints.
- Deliver remedial and post-incident training.
- Identify development opportunities and recommend training interventions.
- Coach drivers to improve performance, safety, fuel efficiency, and customer service standards.
Training Administration
- Maintain accurate training records and compliance documentation.
- Ensure CPC and mandatory training deadlines are monitored and achieved.
- Assist with course scheduling and resource planning.
- Produce training materials, presentations, handbooks, and assessment documents.
- Evaluate training effectiveness and recommend improvements.
- Maintain training databases and reporting systems.
Recruitment & Onboarding Support
- Support the recruitment and assessment of new drivers.
- Participate in interviews and driving assessments where required.
- Assist with onboarding and induction programmes.
- Work closely with HR to ensure a smooth transition for new employees.
Continuous Improvement
- Remain up to date with:
- DVSA Regulations
- Driver CPC Requirements
- Driver Hours Legislation
- Industry Best Practice
- Health & Safety Legislation
- Contribute to the ongoing development of the Skills Training Academy.
- Support the creation of new training modules and learning materials.
- Share best practice across the business and promote a culture of continuous learning.
Skills & Experience
Essential
- Excellent communication and presentation skills.
- Experience delivering training to groups and individuals.
- Strong coaching and mentoring abilities.
- Good organisational and administrative skills.
- Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.
- Strong IT skills, including Microsoft Office applications.
- Knowledge of customer service principles.
- Professional and approachable manner.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information appropriately.
- Passion for developing people and improving standards.
- PCV Category D Licence.
- Driver CPC Qualification.
- Experience working with National Express and their requirements.
Desirable
- Recognised Training Qualification (Level 3 Award in Education & Training, PTLLS, or equivalent).
- Experience within the bus, coach, transport, logistics, or passenger transport sector.
- Experience delivering Driver CPC courses.
- Experience conducting driver assessments.
- Knowledge of DVSA compliance requirements and driver legislation.
- First Aid qualification.
- Transport Manager CPC
Personal Attributes
We are looking for someone who is:
- Passionate about training and developing people.
- Professional, positive, and approachable.
- Safety-focused and compliance-driven.
- A confident communicator.
- Adaptable and flexible.
- Organised and detail-orientated.
- A team player who can also work independently.
- Motivated to help Skills achieve industry-leading standards.
Benefits
- Starting salary £35,000
- 25 days holiday + Bank holidays
- Monday - Friday
- Company Pension
- Employee Discount
- 24 hour mental health support
Pay: From £35,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Employee discount
- Free parking
- Health & wellbeing programme
- On-site parking
Licence/Certification:
- Category D Licence (required)
Work Location: In person
