Ten participants have successfully completed the Government’s D Licence Apprenticeship
Programme, with all ten obtaining their full D Licence and progressing into employment with the
Gibraltar Bus Company as supply bus drivers.
Some of the successful participants have already progressed further and secured full-time driver
roles, demonstrating the programme’s success in creating a direct pathway from training into
employment.
The initiative was launched in August 2025 by the Ministry of Equality, Employment, Culture and
Tourism and the Ministry for Transport, in collaboration with the Gibraltar Bus Company. The
programme was established to provide structured, paid training for individuals seeking a career in
the transport sector, whilst also strengthening the pool of qualified drivers available for Gibraltar’s
public transport service.
Throughout the apprenticeship, participants undertook D Licence theory and practical training
alongside customer care, communication skills and supported needs and disabilities awareness,
providing them with both the technical and wider professional skills required to deliver a safe,
inclusive and high-quality public transport service.
The successful outcome demonstrates the value of developing apprenticeship programmes that
equip individuals with recognised skills, create meaningful pathways into employment and respond
directly to identified workforce and labour market needs.
Minister for Employment, Apprenticeships and Skills, the Hon Christian Santos GMD MP, said: “This
is exactly what our apprenticeship programmes are designed to achieve – providing people with the
skills and qualifications they need and creating a clear pathway into employment. I congratulate all
ten participants on obtaining their D Licences and progressing into employment with the Gibraltar
Bus Company. It is particularly encouraging that some have already progressed into full-time driver
roles. I would also like to thank Minister Cortes, his team and the Gibraltar Bus Company for working
with us to make this programme such a success.”
Minister for Transport, the Hon Prof John Cortes MP, said: “I’m delighted and to welcome these 10
new drivers to the bus service. They will now join their colleagues at the Gibraltar Bus Company in
continuing to provide an excellent service to community and visitors alike. Congratulations on your
achievement and I wish you all the best in your careers.”
The Ministers met the successful drivers to mark the culmination of the programme and recognise
their achievement.
