THERE has been an increase in the number of women wanting to drive buses following the introduction of a new apprenticeship by bus operator Trent Barton.
The passenger carrying vehicle driving apprenticeship, at the company's driving academy in Langley Mill leading to a diploma, is resulting in an improvement in customer service and reduced vehicle accidents.
Guy Gibson, Trent Barton's head of training, said: "In partnership with Access Training, we have been pleased to be able to help 43 of the people who have joined our driving teams in the last year to achieve a modern apprenticeship.
"Currently, we now have a further 31 colleagues working towards this important qualification. The work we have done with Access Training to develop our apprenticeship has updated and strengthened our training programme and this has been an enormous help in making sure that our drivers are indeed 'really good'.
"There has also been a rise in female bus drivers since the introduction of the apprenticeship."
Two bus drivers who have benefited from the training offered are Elaine Stokes and Lisa Jeffs.
Elaine said: "I really enjoyed the training and I learned some new skills like bus driving and customer care, and refreshed some old ones, boosting my confidence.
"After only one year in employment, I won the prestigious Driver of the Year award proving the training I received was worthwhile and valuable."
Lisa said she is "having the time of my life doing my apprenticeship".
She said: "There are people of all ages working with me and I am receiving lots of support to develop my industry knowledge and people skills, all of which will make me more employable and hopefully lead to a long and rewarding career."
