The success of a partnership between operator Ember and Jobcentre Plus was marked in Dundee this week after the recent qualification of four new drivers via a pilot scheme.
The initiative came about after Jobcentre Plus used statistics from the Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT) to identify Ember as a suitable employer with driver shortages.
The group of candidates were recruited and taken through the training process to become drivers with the all-electric inter-city operator.
Those behind the project hope the scheme can be rolled out further across the country. It is part of a wider strategy from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and the Department for Transport (DfT) to combat the shortage of coach and bus drivers.
Representatives from DWP, Dundee City Council and CPT were present at the event, in which two of the drivers received a special presentation.
Minister for Roads and Local Transport Guy Opperman says: “It’s fantastic to see the trainees complete their training with Ember, and I’d like to thank my colleagues at DWP for helping make their ambition of becoming bus drivers a reality.
“We’re investing £4.5 billion to protect and improve bus services, and we will continue to work closely with industry and DWP to attract new and brilliant talent to the bus and coach sector, creating new jobs, levelling up transport and growing the economy.”
Alistair Mackey, Ember’s Operations Manager, adds: “Partnering with DWP to recruit these new drivers into the sector has been a very worthwhile experience. We would thoroughly recommend other operators and Jobcentres get involved.”
One of the newly qualified Ember drivers involved, Stuart Strachan, says: “I’m thrilled to have completed my training with Ember and am really excited to be embarking on this new chapter in my career. Thanks to all the instructors and the team behind the scenes for all their support.”
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