Route to success: Free training programme increasing the number of qualified drivers in West Yorkshire to keep the region's buses moving

Adult learners across West Yorkshire are gaining skills and securing jobs in the transport sector, thanks to a free training programme that is increasing the number of qualified bus drivers in the region.

The bus driver training programme, dubbed the “Route to Success”, was the first of its kind to receive funding from the Mayor of West Yorkshire’s devolved adult education budget (AEB), which aims to provide people with the skills and qualifications they need to enter the workforce.

Since the launch of the initiative in July 2022, more than 120 learners have undertaken training, with many having already progressed to secure employment with Arriva, First and several transport organisations across the region.

Mayor Brabin said: “I’m proud that we were able to bring this idea to life with funding from our adult education budget - the very first project we commissioned through devolution.

“It is not only helping to tackle the shortage of bus drivers across West Yorkshire, but giving adults a chance to gain the skills and qualifications they need to get straight into well-paid jobs.

“It’s great to see it already making such a positive difference to people’s lives.”

The specialist programme is delivered to learners by leading training provider, Realise, from a converted bus that travels to multiple locations around the region to ensure accessibility for those who otherwise might not have had the opportunity to take part.

Mayor Brabin visited the mobile training facility at Fourways Coaches in Cleckheaton to talk to learners about their plans for future employment, as well as trying out the virtual reality element - which provides a unique bus driving experience.

Gregg Scott, chief executive officer of Realise, said: “It was fantastic to welcome the Mayor of West Yorkshire to our ‘Route to Success’ session so she could see at first hand the fantastic work going on to train bus drivers and maintain vital services for local communities.

“We are delighted with the results so far and look forward to producing hundreds more bus drivers to serve the West Yorkshire region.”