James - Go-Ahead bus graduate

James completed his degree in Business Management at Coventry University and has just completed the bus graduate scheme at Go-Ahead London.   

James says:

"“I applied for the Go-Ahead graduate scheme because I wanted to know everything about the transport industry.

The graduate scheme offered a wide variety of secondments around the business, which allowed me to get a full understanding of how the business is run before moving into a management position. I haven’t been disappointed. There’s so much to learn and there isn’t a placement I haven’t enjoyed yet.

I started the scheme learning how to drive a bus and I’ve done numerous roles from there – from working in a busy control room to gaining experience in HR and recruitment. One day you can be working closely with managers and on other days helping a customer track down a piece of lost property. Most recently I have completed my Assistant Operating manager (AOM) training and am now working as a manager in one of our busy garages!

Here at Go-Ahead London I have a mentor who is my direct manager. He helps to organise our placements and I feel really supported. This makes life as a graduate so much easier as you don’t have any worries, as everything is always planned for you. You are given a lot of independence on the scheme, but if there is ever a time you require some support, the mentor is always there for you.

Through the scheme so far, I’ve improved my communication and leadership skills. I would recommend the graduate scheme for anyone who is interested in a management role in a fast-paced environment.

The well-rounded graduate scheme bridges the gap between university and a management position, with many opportunities along the way. You gain a lot of new skills in a short space of time and before you know it you are managing a garage. You are given lot of responsibility, but always have some one there to support you if you have any questions or worries."