First Bus announce new partnership with UK's number one digital skills charity

First Bus is delighted to announce it is establishing a new strategic partnership with iDEA, the UK’s no.1 digital skills charity, to provide bite-sized, gamified digital training to frontline colleagues and members of the communities we serve.  

The new partnership, launched as part of the company’s Learning At Work Week (LAAW) programme for 2025, will provide access like never before to resources that will help frontline colleagues build confidence in essential IT skills for both work and life, as well as address skills gaps, enhance engagement, and support career progression and retention. 

In addition to this, First Bus will pilot community access to iDEA’s platform at selected learning centres, supporting friends and family learning initiatives, recruitment pipelines, and employment pathways for the wider community. 

First Bus is the first UK bus operator to offer digital learning through iDEA, joining leading businesses including Curry’s, Asda, and Nationwide, in turn demonstrating its position as an innovative, people-first employer in the transport sector. 

Hansi Jackson, Head Of Learning And Development for First Bus, said: “This initiative is something that I’m personally really proud of, as we continue to demonstrate our ongoing commitment to our people, whilst supporting the local communities we serve.    

“We’re pleased to be working with the trade unions to champion workforce wellbeing, as well as enhancing accessibility and opportunities through inclusive learning.  We are thrilled to announce our new collaboration with the team at iDEA. Polly and her team do inspiring work that is having a huge impact on levelling up the digital skills gap in society.  

“We are pleased to bring their innovative content and vital skills to our frontline colleagues through our learning centres and to the wider communities we serve.”  

The announcement comes as First Bus launches the last of its nationwide rollout of innovative new Learning Centres for front colleagues across their UK depots. The final site was rolled out to members of the local team at the Hoeford depot with Polly Morgan, Chief Executive in attendance to give colleagues a first-hand look at some of the new resources.  

Polly Morgan, CEO at iDEA, said: “Our mission is to ensure that no one is left behind in the digital revolution, and we’re proud to work with First Bus to provide comprehensive digital skills support for First Bus colleagues and local members of the communities they serve through the learning centres.  

“This partnership helps First Bus in its digital transformation journey by fostering a culture of continuous digital learning and aiding colleagues in adapting to new technologies, and we can’t wait to get started.” 

ENDS