Bus drivers take the learning‐center route to better basic skills : Partnership with trade union brings benefits for all

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine how First Bus UK is improving the basic skills of its employees through learning centers. Design/methodology/approach – Describes how First Bus UK teamed up with the Transport and General Workers' Union to establish 40 learning centers across the UK, and looks in detail at the operation of one such center, in Orpington, Kent. Findings – Reveals that, since the centers were set up five years ago, more than half the company's 20,300 drivers have undergone training, ranging from union learner‐representative courses at levels one to three to the European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL), from literacy and numeracy to computing basics, and from English as a second language to road safety. Last year, more than 5,000 drivers achieved NVQ level two, 74 completed the learning‐representative course and 17 gained the ECDL. Practical implications – Argues that the centers are delivering significant benefits to the business, employees and the wider community. Originality/value – Shows that the training has benefited drivers and the company because: the ability to read and follow safety instructions has led to a reduction in staff injuries and lost‐time accidents; there has been an 11 percent drop in physical assaults on staff; driver turnover has fallen, saving a seven‐figure sum; and improved driver availability has led to the lowest “lost mileage” level for two years.