First Bus programme helps NEETs find work in Greater Manchester

Kai, who joined First Bus in Rochdale as a Stores Person in August, was one of four young people to take part in the company's first Routes to Work programme earlier this year. The scheme is designed to support young people who are not in education, employment or training (NEET) by giving them meaningful exposure to workplaces, employers and career opportunities.

Delivered with local partners, including the Well Foundation, the programme provided participants with practical workplace experience at First Bus Rochdale, and tailored employability support, including job applications and interview preparation.

Before joining the programme, Kai had spent more than a year searching for work, submitting over 100 job applications without success. Through Routes to Work, he gained real experience at First Bus and visited a number of businesses across its local supply chain to develop his skills and confidence.

After completing his work experience placement, Kai applied for a vacancy within First Bus’s Engineering Stores team at Rochdale depot and was successful. He now works full-time at the depot, which operates services for Transport for Greater Manchester’s Bee Network and where he gained experience during his placement.

Kai’s appointment is the second employment success from Routes to Work, with half of the programme’s participants now securing full-time employment. Mason, another participant is now working for Royton Steelstock in Rochdale.

First Bus's Routes to Work programme has recently been shortlisted for the Bus and the Community award at the upcoming UK Bus Awards in November.

Kevin Mullin, Social Value Manager for First Bus in Greater Manchester, said:

"Kai's story demonstrates the real difference that meaningful social value initiatives can make. There are young people across our communities who are eager to work and build a career but often struggle to get that important first opportunity.

"Our Routes to Work programme is about opening doors, building confidence and helping young people showcase their talents to employers. We're delighted to welcome Kai and look forward to supporting him as he develops his career with First Bus.

"The success we've seen from our first programme shows what's possible when businesses invest in local young people. Programmes like this can genuinely change lives, while helping employers connect with talented and motivated individuals who may otherwise be overlooked."

Gail Lavery, Youth Support and Partnership manager at the Well Foundation (a referral parter for Routes to Work), added:

“At the Well Foundation, we see first-hand the life-changing impact that can happen when employers are willing to open their doors and give young people a genuine opportunity to succeed. Kai’s success with First Bus is a brilliant example of what can be achieved when young people are given the opportunity to demonstrate what they can do.

“His journey shows that sometimes, all a young person needs is someone to believe in their potential and provide them with that first opportunity. We are proud to support young people on that journey and grateful to employers such as First Bus who recognise the value of investing in the next generation.”

First Bus will run its next Routes to Work programme in the coming months.