Transport for Greater Manchester’s programme for jobseekers has so far helped 87% of people who completed the course back in to paid or voluntary employment.

The scheme, which provides free minibus driver training, the opportunity to gain professional qualifications and work experience as part of a choice of two 12-week courses, has so far helped 71 people across Greater Manchester straight back in to work.

A recent study by research and strategy organisation New Economy has shown that the course also provides a direct benefit to the local economy. For every £1 invested in the scheme, the economic benefits are almost doubled with future savings of £1.98 and, for those successfully employed as a result of the programme, it increases to £2.95.

Andrew Hill from Bury recently completed the course, which led to him being offered a job with Radcliffe-based coach and minibus company Tranzcare Travel, driving a bus service for school children who have learning disabilities.

He said: “Before I’d started the course, every job I’d applied for needed more qualifications than I already had. Without employment, I didn’t have the means to enrol for the additional training I needed.

“When I heard about the Train, Learn, Drive, Earn course through a friend who had got a job straight after completing the course, I decided to sign up. The qualifications I gained meant I walked straight in to a new job.”

Peter Green, Managing Director of Tranzcare Travel, said: “As an employer it can be extremely difficult finding suitable candidates for new jobs as the roles are not just about driving, but often require extra skills involving helping passengers that need additional assistance.

“The Train, Learn, Drive, Earn course is fantastic as we know that people who have completed that course have all the skills the job requires.”

Councillor Andrew Fender, Chair of the Transport for Greater Manchester Committee, added: “It’s great to see this initiative being hailed a success in so many different ways.
“Not only does it strengthen Greater Manchester’s economy but it means that we have been able to help a number of jobseekers back in to work who each have their own story to tell.”

Participants can apply for a driving course with minibus licence and passenger assistance accreditations and the course also includes training in general administration, customer care, and support with CV writing, interviews and life skills.

The Train, Learn, Drive, Earn scheme has been running since 2013 and has been led by Transport for Greater Manchester, with support from Jobcentre Plus and Bolton Community Transport. It is currently funded by the Department for Transport’s Local Sustainable Transport Fund.

The scheme is open to jobseekers in Greater Manchester, who can speak with their Jobcentre Plus adviser to be referred onto the programme.

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