Stagecoach, the country's biggest bus and coach operator, has launched the search for a team of new graduates to join its UK-wide business from September.

Applications have opened for 10 people to join its two-year graduate training programme. Successful applicants will have a valuable opportunity to learn the bus and coach business inside out, with time spent in operations, engineering, financial, marketing and commercial departments at a range of locations up and down the country from Inverness to Exeter.

The programme is part of Stagecoach's strategy to develop its future managers and leaders. Stagecoach is working with Sanctuary Graduates, the UK's leading graduate recruitment agency, which works with over 200 universities in the UK and across Europe.

As part of its sustainability strategy, Stagecoach has committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce that targets 40% of females in leadership roles with 25% of the workforce identifying as being from ethnic minorities by 2026.

A number of Stagecoach's senior team started life on its graduate scheme, with one regional director, five managing directors and 10 other directors successfully completing the scheme, before progressing their career through the business.

Sean Algar, interim head of resourcing for Stagecoach, said: "Our business is built on our people and they are fundamental to our success. We are proud to have a diverse, high-quality team that reflects the communities we serve, and it's important that we continue to build on that by nurturing the next generation of talent to support our business.

"We're very proud of our track record of not only developing graduates into managers and leaders through this programme, but also offering continued progression within our business."

The next Stagecoach Graduate Leadership Programme starts in September 2023, and applications should be submitted by February 27 at https://employers.sanctuarygraduates.co.uk/stagecoach/#benefits.