This week, a Year 9 pupil from Grove Road School had the opportunity to gain hands-on insight into the transportation industry with a visit to Sutton Bus Garage.
The visit began at reception, where the team provided high-visibility jackets before introducing the area where bus drivers sign in and out. Our pupil then explored different vehicle types and observed the mechanics of a bus under repair. A highlight of the visit was sitting in the driver’s cabin and testing the controls under the guidance of an experienced controller.
The experience also included a behind-the-scenes look at fleet management, vehicle maintenance, and the operations control room, where staff coordinate bus services in real-time. Our pupil even got to see the bus washing process and learn about cleaning schedules.
Aneta, a Service Delivery Manager at Go-Ahead London, shared her career journey from bus driver to a leadership role in customer service, offering valuable insight into career progression within the industry. Staff also discussed the qualifications and training needed to become a bus driver today, providing practical guidance for the future.
This inspiring visit gave our pupil a deeper understanding of the transport sector and the many career pathways available. We are grateful to Sutton Bus Garage for making this experience possible and look forward to offering more opportunities like this through our careers programme.
Lloyd Folks, Careers Leader at Grove Road