York Pullman opens new routes into transport careers with driver training & apprenticeships

The business, which is owned by First Bus and employs around 160 people, is working with Wetherby Training School through a government-funded scheme to support up to 50 people to train as professional drivers, while employed by York Pullman.

The programme is open to people from a wide range of ages and employment backgrounds, creating opportunities for those looking to start or change careers. It is designed to give people the skills and qualifications they need to begin a new career in passenger transport, while helping York Pullman develop the skilled workforce it needs for the future.

Alongside the driver training programme, York Pullman has welcomed apprentices into the business for the first time this year, working with First Bus to create opportunities for young people to begin careers across different areas of the operation, including engineering and operations.

The new recruits were welcomed at York Pullman by Luke Charters, MP for York Outer, and Cllr Kate Ravilious, Executive Member for Transport at City of York Council, who met trainee drivers and apprentices and heard about their experiences and routes into the industry.

Joel Bradley, General Manager at York Pullman, said: “There are so many different opportunities to build a rewarding career in transport, whether you’re just starting out or looking to take your working life in a completely new direction.

“By investing in training and apprenticeships, we can give people the opportunity to develop new skills, gain valuable experience, and build a long-term career with us, while developing the workforce York Pullman needs for the future.

“It’s particularly exciting to welcome our first apprentices this year and see young people beginning their careers alongside those who are joining us through the driver training programme.”

Jak Carey, 17, Apprentice Engineer at York Pullman, said: “I’ve always been interested in engineering and working with vehicles, so getting the chance to start an apprenticeship with York Pullman was a really good opportunity for me.

“I’m from York, so it’s great to be starting my career with a local company and learning from people who have a lot of experience. I’ve only been here a short time, but I’m really enjoying it so far and I’m looking forward to learning more and developing my skills.”

William Andrews, age 25, Driver at York Pullman, said: “Before joining York Pullman I worked as a butcher, so on the face of it becoming a professional driver is a completely different career. But a big part of both jobs is customer service and working with people, which is something I’ve always really enjoyed.

“I joined York Pullman around five months ago and have now completed my training and qualified as a driver. I’ve really enjoyed making the change and being out meeting different people every day. It’s been a great move for me and I’m really pleased I decided to do it.”

Joshua Engley, 28, Trainee Driver at York Pullman, said: “I studied History at the University of York and then spent a few years working in hotels, but I’ve always really enjoyed driving, particularly longer journeys, so becoming a professional driver really appealed to me.

“I’d been looking for a change of direction and this has given me the opportunity to turn something I genuinely enjoy into a career. I’m really enjoying the training and I’m looking forward to getting out on the road and building my experience.”

Cllr Kate Ravilious, Executive Member for Transport at City of York Council, said: “It’s fantastic to see a long-established York business investing in local people and creating opportunities for them to develop the skills they need to build rewarding careers in the transport industry.

“Creating accessible routes into employment and giving people the opportunity to develop skills for the future is hugely important. I really enjoyed meeting some of York Pullman’s trainee drivers and apprentices and hearing first-hand about their different routes into the industry.”

Luke Charters, MP for York Outer, said: “It was brilliant to meet some of the people starting new careers at York Pullman and hear first-hand about the opportunities opening up for people here in York.

“Whether you’re just starting out or looking for a change of career, having the chance to learn new skills and get into a good, secure job really matters. It’s fantastic to see a local employer like York Pullman investing in people and their futures.”

Laurie Moore, Director at Wetherby Training School, said: “We’re delighted to be working with York Pullman to help people gain the skills and confidence they need to become professional drivers.

“Programmes like this can open the door to a completely new career for people who may never previously have considered working in passenger transport, while helping employers develop the skilled workforce they need.”

The investment in skills comes during a milestone year for York Pullman, which was founded in 1926 and is celebrating its centenary this year.

Today, the business provides coach and passenger transport services for schools, businesses, private groups and organisations across York and the wider region.

Interested in a career with York Pullman?

York Pullman is currently recruiting new and experienced drivers, with immediate starts available. For those new to professional driving, free, paid training is provided and no previous experience is required, applicants just need a full car driving licence.

To find out more about driving and other career opportunities with York Pullman, visit the York Pullman vacancies page, email recruitment@yorkpullmanbus.co.uk or call 01904 622992.