Get back into work with Train, Learn, Drive and Earn

TfGM Chief Executive, Jon Lamonte with Khalid Mahmood

A new transport project aimed at getting unemployed people back into work through on-the-job training and work experience is proving a success.

Out of the five people who have graduated, three have walked straight into new jobs with community transport operators after attending Transport for Greater Manchester’s ‘Train, Learn, Drive and Earn’ (TLDE) programme.

Over 40 jobseekers from across Greater Manchester are expected to graduate from the programme, which is giving access to training, professional qualifications and work experience.

The scheme offers two 12 week-long free courses, either to train as an accredited community transport driver or gain experience in furniture warehousing.

The scheme has been developed as part of the Local Sustainable Transport Fund (LSTF) programme, which aims to increase access to employment and encourage sustainable travel in Greater Manchester.

Transport for Greater Manchester’s Chief Executive, Jon Lamonte, presented certificates to the first graduating class. He said: “It’s great to see this innovative approach to helping jobseekers bearing fruit straight away.

“It’s helping people back into work while also enabling community transport operators to find well-trained, qualified drivers and warehouse staff, with the necessary skill-set to deliver their services.

“The scheme also gives plenty of transferable skills for the workplace and the feedback from everyone involved has been overwhelmingly positive.

“We now have a waiting list for the training and I look forward to see it making a difference to even more people.”

Two of the trainees who have gained employment are being taken on by Rochdale Community Transport (RCT), a community-led organisation setup to provide safe, accessible, friendly, low cost and locally managed community transport for both groups and individuals that find it difficult to use public transport.

Khalid Mahmood, 31, from Rochdale, had a background in retail customer services, but found local job opportunities on the decline. After graduating on the TLDE course he started work as a driver with RCT.

He said: “I wanted to look for a new career that made good use of my existing skills and offered a longer-term future. I was really interested in getting involved with community transport as it is growing locally. I liked the idea of being able to work with both the local community and different local organisations.

“This course has given me the driving qualification that I really needed, but also taught me other skills and self-belief that will benefit me in the future. I’m already enjoying my new role with Rochdale Community Transport.”

Sohail Ahmad, Board Director of Rochdale Community Transport, said: “The scheme is not only providing support to individuals but also providing a well-trained workforce for the community transport sector across Greater Manchester.

“With the growing demand in community transport we need to invest in well-qualified and trained professional driving staff. RCT has welcomed the TLDE project, raised its profile locally and provided essential elements of training in-house to mentor, support and develop trainees for the future job market.

“We are pleased that from the first batch of trainees two have secured jobs at Rochdale CT and we hope that we can train develop and support many individuals through this scheme. RCT is about people and communities and we are very proud of this project.”

Anyone interested in joining the scheme should speak to Jobcentre Plus, which is working with Transport for Greater Manchester to identify suitable trainees.
Both TLDE courses are endorsed by the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport and include training in general administration and customer care, with further support in CV writing, interviews and life skills.

The driving course provides training and work experience to help trainees gain their D1 (minibus) licence, driver CPC and, MIDAS (mini bus driving) and PATS (passenger assistance) accreditations.

The furniture warehousing option gives trainees training and work experience in route planning, van crewing, stock control, flat pack assembly and sales.