To coincide with National Apprenticeship Week, First Bus has teamed up with a leading transport training provider to launch its first-ever apprenticeship programme for bus drivers.
The aim of the new pilot is to potentially provide the bus firm with a pathway to create hundreds of new bus drivers every year, whilst also enhancing driver retention rates.
The aim is to attract a more diverse range of applicants to represent the communities First Bus serve.
The inaugural cohort of apprentice drivers have already begun their training - some began back in November with the final part of the cohort joining in January - they are now placed in the Chelmsford, Bradford, Halifax and Huddersfield depots across the Essex and West Yorkshire operations.
The bus operator has teamed up with transport training provider Realise to deliver the training initiative, which is open to anyone who holds a standard UK driving licence.
Successful applicants will complete the Bus Driver Level 2 Passenger Transport Apprenticeship over a 13-month period. Practical bus driving training will be provided to guide apprentices through their Passenger Carrying Vehicle licence, as well as customer service training and functional skills learning in English and Maths.
If successful, the pilot could be extended across the UK to other parts of the business in the future.
Angela Renfrew, Director of Talent and Leadership Development at First Bus, said: “The First Bus Driver Apprenticeship scheme is the catalyst to attract more young people and diversity into the business, as we strive to be more representative of the communities we serve.
“Candidates can earn a professional qualification that will support career progression opportunities within First Bus, enabling them to become valued transport professionals.
“We’re delighted to have more education and training options in our sector and to position bus driving as a rewarding and satisfying career choice that’s available to all. The apprenticeship is a great route for young people and adult learners to earn while they learn.”
Kairon Flowers, Operations Director at Realise, said: “It’s been refreshing to hear how committed First Bus is to co-deliver an apprenticeship programme which not only addresses bus driver shortages, but helps people build long-term careers in the industry.
“For people of any age who are considering a career in bus driving but don’t have the necessary skillset, this is the perfect entry mechanism into the industry.
“In a matter of weeks, the apprentices will be qualified to drive a bus and will be taught the additional skills required to be a successful bus driver.”
To find out more about a career at First Bus, click here: First Bus | Careers
Graeme Lafferty, External Communications Manager First Bus UK