ROSS:

Ross Stafford

Degree: BA (hons) Geography, Oxford University
Joined Stagecoach: 2006
Current position: Assistant Operations Manager, Hull

"I joined Stagecoach immediately after finishing university. I was looking for an opportunity that would allow me to progress smoothly into a managerial role. After reading the website and learning what the Stagecoach scheme involved, I thought it sounded like an interesting and slightly different career.

Both the Graduate programme and Stagecoach are very organised. As soon as I joined the scheme I was pleased to find there was a structured programme which ensured I’d spend time in the various different departments - gaining a clear idea of how the company operated. Similarly, I was pleasantly surprised at how down to earth and friendly all the staff were, from the Managing Director to the Cleaners in the depots.

My first week was probably one of the things that most stood out. I went to Manchester to help with the University Freshers Fair project. All the First and Second Year Graduates attended and we all worked closely with the Stagecoach Manchester personnel. In the evenings we would go for a meal and a bit of a chat to get to know one another, helping develop friendships that we could take into our careers.

Over the course of the first year, we enjoyed a mix of external training modules and on the job training. I spent a large proportion of my time with the Operations Managers of the Stagecoach West Cheltenham and Swindon depots. Both taught me a lot about the role and how to deal with the situations that arise on a daily basis.

This prepared me well for the duties of my new post of Assistant Operations Manager in Hull. My responsibilities include interviewing and training new drivers, HR work and the general supervision of daily operations. I hope it’s the start of a long and happy future at Stagecoach."