The Apprentice in Sussex: 'You're never too old for an apprenticeship' says bus-driver Mark

The candidates on the popular BBC show take part in tasks each week with the ultimate goal of getting an investment for their business plan from Lord Sugar. But is this really what a real-life apprentice goes through each week?

In a new series on Sussex World, we meet apprentices from across Sussex to explain what they do and what being an apprentice in the real world is like.

At the age of 56, Mark Gretton may not be of the profile typically associated with someone embarking on an apprenticeship programme.

Yet, as National Apprenticeship Week is celebrated, West Sussex-based Mark has not only had a significant career change to become a bus driver but is also on the cusp of completing his level-two passenger transport apprenticeship qualification.

“I started my apprenticeship about a year ago and it’s the best thing I’ve ever done,” said Mark, who lives in Lancing and drives buses for Stagecoach around Worthing.

“I was employed for 12 years as a maintenance and facilities manager and worked every day during the pandemic but things changed so I decided to pursue a new opportunity.

“I saw the bus driver opportunity with Stagecoach and that career was always on my bucket list so I thought ‘why not?’. I’ve loved every minute of it and to be able to get a qualification through my apprenticeship at the same time is a real bonus.”

Having quickly secured his Passenger Carrying Vehicle Licence to enable him to begin driving buses, which he now does daily across Worthing, Brighton and Midhurst, Mark has continued his apprenticeship programme with training provider Realise.

Realise’s trainers have been delivering additional elements, including driver wellbeing and customer service, to make him a well-rounded bus driver. Mark said: “The team at Realise has been fantastic and very supportive and I’ve had great backing from my colleagues at Stagecoach.

“It’s been a bit strange going back into a learning environment as it’s been quite a few years since I’ve experienced that but I’ve enjoyed every minute of it and I will be very proud when I complete my apprenticeship in the next two months. The message from me is you are never too old to do an apprenticeship.”

Mark, who is a father of four, believes he is now settled in a role in local transport for the remainder of his working career. He added: “I think I’m well-suited to the job. I try to be bright and bubbly every day and having such a public-facing role is ideal for me.

“I’ve already won a couple of Star of the Month awards at my depot but it’s been for doing things which just come naturally like helping an old lady who was being harassed by a few youngsters. I’ve got some ambitions of trying to move into the customer service side at Stagecoach but I can’t see myself not being involved in public transport in some way until the day I retire.”

For more information about Realise and its apprenticeship opportunities, visit www.realisetraining.com