Local Partnerships
Gremlins Bus Launch, Essex
As part of our commitment to life long learning First has had an opportunity to work at a national level promoting the partnership we have with The Transport and General Workers Union, to engage with employees and members of the public who want to find out more about adult learning.
To help promote this work we have recently endorsed a bus wrap in Essex using the recent televised Gremlin campaign. The bus hopes to raise awareness and encourage people to get that extra qualification they have always wanted. Other companies associated with the bus include: Business in the Community (BITC), Learning and Skills Council (LSC), National Institute of Adult Continuing Education (NIACE) and BBC RaW.
Working with the Transport & General Workers' Union, First's UK Bus division has pioneered a joint learning centre strategy aimed at its 20,300 drivers to provide flexible, effective and attractive learning opportunities within the workplace. The centres aim to motivate and retain First's employees as well as stimulating interest in the company to attract new staff. 100 Union Learning Representatives have been funded and in total 40 Learning Centres have been created.
The initiative recently won the Rentokil Initial Skills for Life Award at the Business Community Awards for Excellence.
Carl Newman, a bus driver, recently won First UK Bus learner of the year award. He joined the company is 2000, which proved to be a critical step in his learning Centre. Having got the taste for learning, Carol has gone from strength to strength. "It is addictive," he says. "You want the next exam! I'm really keen to fill in the gaps in my education." For more information and examples, visit the Community section of our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Report. (page opens in a new window)