First Bus and Unite the Union partner to establish groundbreaking learning agreement

Hanley, 18th March 2025: First Bus, one of the UK’s leading bus operators, has unveiled its brand-new learning centre in Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, as part of a groundbreaking agreement with Unite the Union.

This initiative will enhance educational opportunities for approximately 1,600 frontline employees across Manchester, Midlands and South Yorkshire.

Based at the operator’s Hanley depot in Stoke-on-Trent, the learning centre is designed to provide frontline First Bus colleagues with accessible educational resources, supporting career progression and ultimately improving service for customers. This is one of 12 new learning hubs and satellite centres First Bus is creating across the UK.

There is also an additional learning centre satellite in Sheffield Olive Grove depot ensuring that people from the region don’t have to travel across several counties to access lifelong learning.

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

The learning agreement further showcases First Bus’ dedication to working collaboratively with their 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.

The learning centre was opened by Ben and Michael Dyer the co-founders of The Inspirational Learning Group, an organisation dedicated to enhancing the enterprise and employability skills of young people worldwide, also in attendance was Stoke councillor Sarah Jane Colclough.

Zoe Hands, Managing Director at First Bus MMSY comments: “We’re delighted to open our new learning centres in collaboration with Unite the Union, demonstrating our ongoing commitment to our people, as well as how we support the local communities we serve.

“We’re pleased to be working with the trade unions to support ongoing workforce wellbeing, as well as enhancing accessibility and opportunities through inclusive learning.”

Scott Higgins, Chair of the National Joint Consultative Forum (NJCF), added: “The signing of the Learning Partnership Agreement was a significant step forward in August 2024 and a confirmation of the unique relationship between First Bus and Unite the Union in regard to education.

“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.”