Driver training provider Realise and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) have agreed a four-year contract extension that will deliver what the supplier says is over 1,000 new recruits to coach and bus operators in the region.
That agreement will see Realise continue to deliver the Route to Success driver training programme. It is fully funded and open to residents of Bradford, Calderdale, Kirklees, Leeds and Wakefield who are aged 19 and over.
Money for the scheme has come through the devolved adult education budget of Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin. More than 600 people in West Yorkshire have already engaged with Route to Success since 2022, with many going into employment with operators such as Arriva and First Bus.
Under the contract extension, at least 320 learners per year to July 2029 will complete stage one of the training. That step is classroom-based and covers the fundamentals of coach and bus driving, along with challenging common misconceptions about the profession.
No fewer than 90 learners per year will then go on to stage two of the programme, which is built around on-road practical training. Those completing it will be given assistance to find employment with what Realise says are SME operators in West Yorkshire.
Those that finish stage one but do not move to stage two with Realise will instead “go on to complete their training with major coach and bus operators in the region,” the supplier continues.
Ms Brabin says that ongoing use of Route to Success has been enabled by the harnessing of devolution potential for skills and transport by WYCA.
“We are putting in place the local, diverse talent that our [franchised] Weaver Network will need to run more services, ramp up reliability, and transform the economy and society of West Yorkshire for generations to come.”
Realise Director of Transport Kairon Flowers adds: “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 that 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.”
