Driven to success - and qualified too!

ARRIVA YORKSHIRE LAUNCHES A REVOLUTIONARY FOUNDATION MODERNAPPRENTICESHIP SCHEME FOR BUS DRIVERS.
PHOTOCALL – Tuesday, 8 April 2003 @ 9.30am, Arriva Yorkshire, 24Barnsley Road, Wakefield

Concentrating on practical training alongside NVQs in CustomerService at Level 2, the Modern Apprenticeship is the firstqualification of its kind to actively encourage young people to seebus driving as a career rather than 'just a job'.

As Rachel I'Anson, human resources manager, Arriva Yorkshireexplains:

Young people are naturally anxious about finding acareer they can progress in as there are very few 'jobs for life'these days. In addition, most people recognise the need to keeplearning when they are working. We believe this framework ofcontinuing professional development within the apprenticeshipframework can fulfil both these needs. There are already fouremployees on the scheme, which is encouraging at this very earlystage

The Foundation Modern Apprenticeship is open to young peopleaged between 18 and 24, who hold a full car driving licence and areinterested in a career in the transport industry.

The scheme is available at all five Arriva Yorkshire locations –Wakefield, Castleford, Dewsbury, Heckmondwike, and Selby. For moreinformation or to receive an application pack, please contactRachel I'Anson on 01924 231 300.

NVQs in Customer Services at Levels 2 and 3 are available to allemployees working within Arriva's UK Bus division.

Currently more than 1,200 employees have received their CustomerService NVQ at Level 2 or Level 3.

An apprentice already on the FMA scheme, Craig Senior said:

I'm really enjoying the scheme. It has been anexcellent learning experience which will provide me with a goodfoundation to develop my career at Arriva Yorkshire.

All my managers and colleagues have been veryencouraging and supportive whilst I have been on thescheme.

Karen Dawson, deputy district manager from Jobcentreplussaid:

I am very pleased by this development to thepartnership between Jobcentreplus and Arriva in the WakefieldDistrict.

Our working together gives local people the opportunityto train for a career in bus driving and its associated trades, andget real qualifications at the same time.

Ends