Stagecoach training bond

[mcflappers]

Hi all,

I've been given a really rough ride with my stagecoach training from only driving to and from depots (no town work), to having my instructor pulled away to do other duties, to actually changing my instructor and training bus

I've done around 30 hours driving over 5 weeks, which averages at 6 hours a week give or take.

If you ask me that's a joke, and its leaving me feeling highly frustrated and feeling like I cant do it and like I want to just walk away from it all.....

My question is this:

1) have i been unlucky or is this the average?
2) when does the training bond become active (would I have to pay it back now if I left or does it not become active until after my test?)
3. If I have to pay it back now, can I do it in installments or does it have to be one lump sum?


Thankyou all

 

[InspectorBloke]

Welcome to the world of bus driving!

The speed of your training is usually down to the luck of the draw, rather than your ability, so I hope you don't leave thinking you can't do the job!

I think that once you have done 10-15 hours more training, you will be much more confident.

I was lucky in that I got through the training fairly quickly, but I know of colleagues who have taken a couple of months, because of bus/instructor/examiner issues.

I assume Stagecoach are paying a training wage, so I'm sure they will be eager to get you on the road earning them money as soon as possible!

I work for another operator, so I can't comment on Stagecoach policies, but generally, once you have signed your training bond and started your training, a cost has been incurred to the company, so they will probably chase you for payment if you break the bond.

 

[RM-Taylor]

Once you’ve passed your Cat C and Cat D test then it becomes active, if you’ve only passed Cat D and are still thinking of leaving they may ask for a small payment for that part which I think is about £350

 

[mcflappers]

Thank you both for your replies I appreciate it!!

I know its luck of the draw but it drags you down and makes you wonder why bother if you get me?

For RM-Tayor:
Ivd done my theory, hazard, case study and mod 4 I just need my actual driving test so will I need to pay it back as it stands or will they just write it off?

 

[56 1/2]

If your sole reason for quitting is the poor quality of training then let them take you to court, even take them to court for your loss of time, another job or whatever. The purpose of the bond is to stop people getting a free driving course . If you can demonstrate that there was no effective training and you had returned to your previous employment, had not bought a car, were not driving for another operator you would have good grounds. You would have to give Stagecoach formal notice that you were not happy with the training and give them a chance to rectify, the cat would be among the pidgins should you do so! Have you spoken to previous trainees how they felt at this stage.

There must be a procedure for people who can not pass the test, perhaps that would be a good question to ask management, your DI may not have all those answers

[If you want legal advice see a solicitor, I am just a bloke with an opinion on the internet]