Training provider Realise says it is helping to bolster the number of drivers in East Yorkshire through accelerated qualifications, in turn assisting operator East Yorkshire Buses to improve services after struggling to recruit enough staff. Following reductions due to staff shortages, Realise says that services are now scaling back up after the operator appointed it to deliver on- and off-road training to around 20 people over the course of three weeks, whilst the operator trained an equal number in-house, producing enough drivers to ease the staffing crisis.
The 40 newly qualified drivers are now behind the wheel, transporting passengers on routes around Hull, York, East Riding and Scarborough. Commercial Director at East Yorkshire Stuart Fillingham said: “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.” Realise has partnered with East Yorkshire Buses on a three-month commercial contract, to provide three instructors delivering comprehensive driver training five days a week. Head of Transport Training Academy at Realise Paul Smith said: “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.”
