First Bus and Unite the Union establish groundbreaking learning hub in West Yorkshire

First Bus, one of the UK’s leading bus operators, today announces the opening of a new learning centre in West Yorkshire, delivering on a groundbreaking agreement, established in partnership with Unite the Union. 

The partnership, which is unique within the UK bus industry, will promote continuous learning and skill development for 2,000 frontline employees across the region as well as colleagues in York.

The learning centre hub, one of 12 planned nationally, is based at its Bramley depot together with a satellite centre at the Halifax depot. These will ensure comprehensive access to vocational and non-vocational training for all frontline staff of the North & West Yorkshire operating business.

The scheme represents a significant investment by First Bus in its people and demonstrates it commitment to employee growth and development. 

The learning agreement further showcases First Bus’s dedication to working collaboratively with colleagues across trade unions to support workplace wellbeing. Alongside this, the collaboration equips staff with new skills to advance their careers and improve service for customers.

Cllr Adele Rae, a member of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority Transport Committee, joined senior directors from First Bus North and West Yorkshire and national and regional leaders from Unite to open the centre.

Cllr Rae, in whose ward the Bramley depot is based, said: “I was delighted to visit the new First Bus Learning Centre at the Bramley Depot. As a passionate believer in the benefits of lifelong learning I know, from personal experience, how it can help individuals to grow, adapt, and succeed.

“For businesses, it drives innovation, boosts productivity, and creates an environment where everyone feels inspired to thrive."

Andrew Cullen, Managing Director of First Bus North & West Yorkshire, said: “We’re delighted to open our new learning centre in collaboration with Unite the Union. This initiative continues 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.”

Dave Pugh, National Education Co-ordinator for Unite, added: “Education is the foundation of our Trade Union movement as it provides the means for our members to establish a clear understanding and embrace ever-changing technologies.

“We are proud to work together with an employer who recognises the value and worth of its employees. First Bus is prepared to invest heavily not just financially but also providing the means and support for individual progression within our industry.”

The rollout of the new programme is part of First Bus’s ongoing transformation journey, as the business continues to inspire a nation to love and use the bus.

Picture captions:

RLC_1: Cllr Rae and Michael Halsworth, Regional Learning Co-ordinator at First Bus open the centre with Dave Pugh (right) and Trevor Booth, Unite Branch Secretary for Halifax. 

RLC_2: Cllr Rae with (centre) Michael Halsworth, Regional Learning Co-ordinator at First Bus and Dave Pugh inside the centre with users trialling its online resources. 

ENDS