More than 1,000 new bus and coach drivers are set to be trained in West Yorkshire thanks to a landmark partnership between the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and leading training provider Realise – helping to protect vital local routes and services.
Realise has secured a four-year contract with the Combined Authority to deliver the ‘Route to Success’ bus driver training programme, a fully funded scheme offering free training to residents across Leeds, Bradford, Wakefield, Kirklees, and Calderdale. Open to anyone aged 19 and over, the initiative provides people with the opportunity to start a new career in bus driving, helping to address skills shortages in the sector. The programme is being funded through the devolved Adult Education Budget from the Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin.
At least 320 learners each year are expected to complete stage one of the ‘Route to Success’ training programme, which will run until July 2029. This initial stage takes place in the classroom, where participants are introduced to the fundamentals of bus and coach driving while also addressing and challenging common misconceptions about the profession.
Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire said:
“Here in West Yorkshire, we’re investing over £60 million to build a region of learning and creativity, equipping people with the skills they need to put more money in their pockets and contribute to a stronger, brighter region.
“With this new investment into bus driver training, we’ll help up to 1,000 people into good, fulfilling jobs while protecting the essential bus services our communities rely on.
“By harnessing the full potential of devolution over skills and transport, we’re putting in place the local, diverse talent our Weaver Network will need to run more services, ramp-up reliability, and transform the economy and society of West Yorkshire for generations to come.”
Each year, at least 90 learners are expected to progress to stage two of the programme, which centres on on-road, practical training. Graduates of this stage receive tailored support to secure employment with small and medium-sized operators across the region, helping local businesses access the skilled drivers they need to keep services running.
Meanwhile, many participants who complete stage one but do not continue with Realise for stage two will instead pursue their training with larger bus and coach operators in West Yorkshire, ensuring a steady pipeline of new drivers across the sector.
Kairon Flowers, Director of Transport at Realise said:
“We are delighted to have secured this four-year contract extension to continue our important work in West Yorkshire. The Mayor of West Yorkshire has made a pledge to ensure everyone in the region has the skills they need to secure work. This programme offers hundreds of people each year the chance to do just that.
“Route to Success offers people a fantastic opportunity to embark on an exciting and rewarding new career path, while addressing the bus driver shortage and protecting vital services.”
Since its launch in 2022, more than 600 people in West Yorkshire have taken part in Realise’s ‘Route to Success’ programme, with many securing roles at leading transport providers including Arriva and First Bus. Participants who complete the course typically achieve their Passenger Carrying Vehicle (PCV) licence within just six weeks of starting and are guaranteed an interview with a local bus operator.
Successful candidates can look forward to a 38-hour contract along with the stability and job security that comes with being a qualified bus driver. To apply please visit www.routetosuccess.co.uk
