A North Yorkshire coach operator is opening new routes into professional driving through a fresh training programme and apprenticeship scheme.
York Pullman, based in Rufforth, near York, and owned by First Bus, is supporting up to 50 people through government-funded training delivered in partnership with Wetherby Training School.
This investment in people comes as the company marks its 100th year of operation.
Joel Bradley, general manager at York Pullman, said: "There are so many different opportunities to build a rewarding career in transport, whether you’re just starting out or looking to take your working life in a completely new direction.
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"By investing in training and apprenticeships, we can give people the opportunity to develop new skills, gain valuable experience, and build a long-term career with us, while developing the workforce York Pullman needs for the future.
"It’s particularly exciting to welcome our first apprentices this year and see young people beginning their careers alongside those who are joining us through the driver training programme."
The scheme is open to individuals of all ages and backgrounds, offering a pathway into passenger transport for those seeking a first job or a career change.
York Pullman has also launched its first-ever apprenticeship programme, in collaboration with First Bus, covering areas such as engineering and operations.
Luke Charters, MP for York Outer, and Councillor Kate Ravilious, executive member for transport at City of York Council, recently visited the company to meet trainees and apprentices and hear about their experiences.
Cllr Kate Ravilious with representatives from York Pullman and Wetherby Training School (Image: Pic supplied)
Cllr Ravilious said: "It’s fantastic to see a long-established York business investing in local people and creating opportunities for them to develop the skills they need to build rewarding careers in the transport industry.
"Creating accessible routes into employment and giving people the opportunity to develop skills for the future is hugely important.
"I really enjoyed meeting some of York Pullman’s trainee drivers and apprentices and hearing first-hand about their different routes into the industry."
Luke Charters MP meeting with members of the York Pullman engineering and management team (Image: Pic supplied)
Trainees and apprentices spoke positively about their new roles and the opportunities ahead.
Jak Carey, a 17-year-old apprentice engineer, said: "I’ve always been interested in engineering and working with vehicles, so getting the chance to start an apprenticeship with York Pullman was a really good opportunity for me.
"I’ve only been here a short time, but I’m really enjoying it so far and I’m looking forward to learning more and developing my skills."
Joel Bradley, GM at York Pullman, Luke Charters MP, Gareth Davies, MD (Coaching) at First Bus (Image: Pic supplied)
William Andrews, a 25-year-old driver, said: "Before joining York Pullman I worked as a butcher, so on the face of it becoming a professional driver is a completely different career.
"I’ve really enjoyed making the change and being out meeting different people every day.
"It’s been a great move for me and I’m really pleased I decided to do it."