Training provider Realise stepped in to accelerate qualification of 29 new drivers for East Yorkshire Buses after a staffing crisis.
Realise delivered on-off training to the recruits over the course of three weeks after the operator had to pull services due to a lack of drivers.
After East Yorkshire Buses concurrently trained another 11, the 40 newly qualified drivers are transporting passengers around Hull, York, East Riding and Scarborough.
Realise engaged with East Yorkshire Buses on a three-month contract, providing practical driving experience and classroom-based theory on a five-day-a-week basis.
Stuart Fillingham, Commercial Director at East Yorkshire Buses, says: “We were faced with a very difficult situation. Recruitment was flatlining and we were forced to cut services based on forecasts.
“I had to issue an open letter to the public, which triggered a flood of backlash online.
“We adopted a new approach and appointed Realise to train the people who wanted to work here.
“The results have been fantastic and we’re so pleased to be restoring services.
“We now plan to work with Realise on an apprenticeship programme to create a pipeline of skilled drivers, enabling us to move forward and thrive.”
Paul Smith, Head of Transport Training Academy at Realise, adds: “It’s a pleasure to be working in partnership with East Yorkshire Buses, supporting their driver training and helping them to become more self-sufficient by reducing their reliance on agency staff.
“We’re passionate about high-quality training that delivers results and it’s great to see learners progressing at pace.
“This collaboration is a brilliant example of what can be achieved when training providers and operators work together to solve real workforce challenges.”
