Investing in Skills: Powering the Future of the UK Coach Sector

This week, we celebrate National Coach Week — a chance to spotlight the coach sector’s vital role in connecting communities, boosting tourism, supporting education, and moving millions of people safely and sustainably.

At the Road Haulage Association (RHA), we are proud to stand firmly with coach operators across the UK. As we reflect on the industry's extraordinary contribution, it’s clear that skills — not just vehicles — are what power coach travel. And as our sector looks to the future, investment in people will be key to long-term success.

A Sector Built on Skills – and Facing Challenges

Behind every smooth journey to a coastal holiday, a school trip to a historic site, or a sports final at a packed stadium, there is a dedicated team of drivers, technicians, tour guides, office staff, and managers.

Yet right now, the coach sector is facing a critical skills shortage across the board, including:

· Qualified drivers with up-to-date CPC and regulatory compliance.

· Technicians to maintain evolving, greener fleets.

· Tour guides who add value and insight to travel experiences.

· Transport administrators and managers ensuring operations run seamlessly.

Unlike other industries, the coach sector currently lacks a dedicated apprenticeship pathway, in any part of the UK, this is a serious gap that threatens long-term workforce sustainability. If we want to grow and modernise, we must create clear career entry routes, particularly for younger people looking for meaningful, mobile careers.

The RHA Academy: Supporting Skills Growth

The RHA is proud to be helping bridge this gap. Through our newly launched RHA Academy, we have developed tailored training opportunities specifically to support the coach sector, including:

· Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) training, helping to requalify experienced drivers efficiently and confidently.

· Transport Manager CPC for those stepping into leadership roles and needing a firm grasp of compliance and operational excellence.

· A range of courses designed to help Coach businesses seamlessly deal with the compliance regimes outside of operating the coach.

· IRTEC technician certification, delivering vital skills to maintain and futureproof coach fleets across the UK.

· Transport Administrator Courses, providing vital office and logistics support skills.

· Soft skills on demand courses that help employees hone the skills that are so important to good customer service and success.

These on demand, self paced programmes ensure that professionalism, safety, and regulatory excellence are embedded across every part of the journey – from planning to passenger drop-off.

Shaping a Skilled, Sustainable Future

Skills investment is not a "nice to have" — it’s essential. It ensures:

· Passengers experience reliable, safe, and high-quality services.

· Operators can grow sustainably and meet environmental targets like Net Zero.

· Careers in the coach industry remain attractive, secure, and futureproof.

As we mark National Coach Week, let’s recognise the essential role of skills development — and commit to building the learning pathways our industry needs.

The RHA is here to support that journey. Together, let's keep the coach sector — and Britain — moving forward.