West Yorkshire will see more than 1,000 new bus and coach driver roles created through a four-year training initiative. Realise, a local training provider, has secured a contract with West Yorkshire Combined Authority to deliver the Route to Success programme, funded via the region’s devolved adult education budget.
The programme targets residents aged 19 and over across Bradford and the surrounding areas. Each year, at least 320 participants will complete the classroom-based first stage, covering core bus and coach driving principles. Around 90 participants annually will progress to stage two, which provides on-road, practical training.
Graduates of the second stage receive support to secure employment with small and medium-sized operators, helping local businesses fill critical driving roles. Participants who complete only the first stage may proceed directly with major regional bus and coach companies for further training.
The scheme runs until July 2029 and aims to strengthen the local transport workforce while supporting smaller operators in meeting operational demand.
