An Andover woman who spent a decade as an unpaid carer has transformed her career after applying for a bus driving apprenticeship she spotted on social media.
Tan Wheeler, 41, began her journey with Stagecoach in 2022 after seeing a Facebook advert for a bus driver apprenticeship delivered in partnership with training provider Realise.
Believing she already had strong customer service and people skills, Tan applied — and within three years has progressed to become a Duty Manager based in Andover. Tan said:
“I like driving, people and customer service, so I thought why not.”
She described the apprenticeship training as thorough and practical, covering everything from road skills and ticketing processes to bus evacuation procedures and managing difficult passengers.
“The training was excellent and the tutors had so much knowledge and experience,” she said. “If we had a problem we could just speak to them as they had often faced similar situations themselves.”
After qualifying, Tan was promoted to Relief Lead Driver before moving into a Controller role. She later relocated to Andover and became Duty Manager in July last year.
“I’m really enjoying it,” she said. “I can have a lot more input into how things are working and love bringing it all together. I thrive on the logistical challenges involved.”
Tan says she remains focused on supporting drivers and ensuring duties are fair — drawing on her own experience behind the wheel.
“It’s been a fantastic three years and the training was the foundation for my success.”
The apprenticeship programme runs for 12 to 14 months and provides training to obtain a PCV licence and become a professional bus driver.
More information about the programme is available via Realise Training.