More than 100 new bus driver positions are set to be created in the North East through a new training programme launching this month. Over 300 people will take part, with 120 trained by Realise to secure their Passenger Carrying Vehicle (PCV) licence.
Training and Funding Details
The remaining participants will get help securing interviews with local bus operators. Successful candidates will then proceed to PCV licence training through the operators' own driver training schools. The training is fully funded by North East Mayor Kim McGuinness's new £250 million North East Skills Programme.
It is free for residents aged 19 and over from Newcastle-upon-Tyne, County Durham, Gateshead, North Tyneside, Northumberland, South Tyneside, and Sunderland, provided they hold a standard UK car driving licence.
Addressing the Driver Shortage
There is a significant shortage of bus drivers across the UK, with an estimated deficit of 4,000 drivers. A recent public consultation has concluded on a major plan led by Mayor Kim McGuinness to introduce bus franchising in the North East starting in 2029.
People who complete the Route to Success course could secure their PCV licence within six weeks of starting the programme. Every participant will be supported in securing an interview with a bus operator and progressing toward a career in the industry. The programme has already been successfully implemented in other regions, including West Yorkshire and Greater Manchester.
Programme Structure and Support
The Route to Success programme is divided into two phases. Stage one consists of a four-day course designed to provide insight into the life of a bus driver, covering the fundamentals of the profession and addressing common misconceptions.
Out of the 360 learners scheduled to complete stage one, 120 will advance to stage two of the Realise programme, where they will receive on-road practical training to obtain their PCV licence. Afterwards, they will be supported in finding employment with either a large bus operator or a small to medium-sized enterprise (SME) bus operator.
Learners who do not proceed with the Route to Success programme may join a bus operator's own driver training programme. Among the operators supporting the programme are Stagecoach, Arriva, Go North East, L&G Coaches, and Caledonian Travel.
North East Mayor Kim McGuinness said: “Bus drivers keep our region moving. That's why we've funded support so more than 100 people get the skills they need to become a bus driver, helping us improve our bus services right across the North East and ensuring people have good jobs at the same time.”
Realise Director of Transport Kairon Flowers added: “The Route to Success programme has been hugely successful across multiple areas of England and we are delighted to be creating life-changing career opportunities for local residents, as well as protecting vital bus services, in the North East.”
“There is an ongoing need to recruit new drivers across the country and programmes like Route to Success can play an important role in helping regions build a sustainable pipeline of new talent.”
“With the prospect of franchising being implemented in the North East in the next few years, having that strong pipeline of skilled drivers will be increasingly important as the region looks to develop and improve its bus network.”
“This programme gives us an opportunity for to build that pipeline while helping local people take their first steps towards a rewarding new career in the bus industry.”
The programme is open to people who are currently unemployed, as well as those who are already in work and earning less than £32,000 per year.
