Sustainable Careers Within the Passenger Transport Sector

Transcription

1 Sustainable Careers Within the Passenger Transport Sector

2 3 Contents Foreword Foreword 3 Introduction 4 Five key aims 5 Case study 1 Darren Stewart, HTL 6 Case Study 2 Alfie Kincks, and Fateh Kechroud, Seascope Maritime Training 7 Case study 3 Natalie Burns, Impera 8 Case study 4 Jo Somerset, BikeRight! UK 9 Case study 5 Dee McDermott & Joe Christopherson, UK Railway Ltd 10 Case study 6 Linda Murphy, Mersey Ferries. 11 Case study 7 John Gaze & Peter Kelly, Arriva Bus & Coach 12 Case study 8 Joe Comerford, Warrington Collegiate 13 Case study 9 Lila Bennett, Transform CIC 14 More information 15 David Brown Business We are currently half way through our Local Sustainable Transport Fund (LSTF) project timeframe; central government entrusted Merseytravel and the five local districts to million to improve the local transport network for Merseyside and we are now seeing the benefits. The LSTF fund is extremely important to Merseytravel as it assists us in delivering our objectives as the Integrated Transport Authority of Merseyside through our corporate social responsibility and wider transport agendas. It enables us to be innovative and work in close collaboration with a range of partners to assist people into employment. Employment and skills, engagement and education are all fundamental in the sustainability of the project. The LSTF scheme has over 150 businesses signed up to our employers network, 10,000 individuals assisted into employment through our travel solutions project and actual passenger transport job creation with our employment and skills team. For the LSTF project to continue to be successful, positive partnership working with businesses is paramount; through our funding, businesses will be able to employ local residents who are trained and qualified to national standards and to whatever the business requires. The LSTF fund was designed to improve the economic output of a region, job creation is a fantastic tool to do just this. This is a great opportunity to use the LSTF funding to support businesses in achieving sustainable growth. David Brown Chief Executive and Director General, Merseytravel Liam Robinson People Unemployment is always difficult, but in times of austerity it is even more so, as opportunities are harder to come by because the talent pool is increased. There are so many talented and qualified individuals within Merseyside who have the right attitude and commitment but don t always know what is needed to get into certain sectors. The Employment and Skills team here at Merseytravel is working really hard to offer information, advice and guidance to individuals who want to work within the passenger transport sector. Through the LSTF funding and effective partnership working, sustainable passenger transport jobs are being created, bringing new individuals into the sector, enhancing customer service and the reputation of the organisations involved. These individuals realise that they are being given a fantastic opportunity to enhance their chances in the job market. All who pass through the process are a credit to the company that they will work for but most importantly they are a credit to themselves. Liam Robinson Chair, Merseyside Integrated Transport Authority

3 4 5 Introduction Five key aims 1. Working in partnership with local employers to give local residents sustainable employment opportunity Having strong and positive relationships with local transport based employers is fundamental in not only the progression of this scheme but the future of any employer s workforce. As this funding is bespoke, all training provision is based around the employer s needs allowing an employer to refine their workforce which subsequently assists candidates into sustainable employment. Partnerships also provide a stronger knowledge base and joined up thinking which can only benefit the individuals who will be employed. In late 2010 the Department for Transport (DfT) announced a new funding opportunity - the Local Sustainable Transport Fund (LSTF), worth 560 million over the five year period. The purpose of the Fund is to enable the delivery of sustainable transport solutions that support economic growth while reducing carbon. During 2011 local authorities and Integrated Transport Authorities like Merseytravel were invited to bid for a portion of those funds to support infrastructure, services and promotion of sustainable transport in their local areas. Merseytravel, as the Integrated Transport Authority for Merseyside took the lead on behalf of all the local authorities on Merseyside for developing our bid to Provide Sustainable Access to Opportunity. Merseyside submitted bids worth 26.58m during 2011 and in total received 24.87m; in July 2011 and a further 19.99m in June This is in addition to a total of 16.7m in local contributions secured from third parties. The Employment and Skills team within Merseytravel has been tasked with delivering jobs outputs within the passenger transport sector throughout the duration of the LSTF period. With the focus predominantly on enhanced customer service, the team will fund all relevant training needed for individuals to flourish and maintain a level of professionalism required to ensure sustainability. This funding will also enhance a change of culture in the way in which individuals are recruited by working in partnership with Jobcentre Plus and their innovative sector-based work academy programme. By the end of the LSTF period, 270 individuals will be assisted into employment thus stimulating economic growth with a further 500 individuals upskilled and work ready. 2. Creating a skilled workforce across Merseyside Merseytravel and unionlearn are key advocates of lifelong learning and personal development and are fully aware of the importance of a growing skilled workforce for Merseyside. From an employer s perspective, a skilled workforce is a productive workforce delivering organisational outputs and objectives. From a regional perspective, skilled individuals can attract business and with that, potential for more job opportunities. From an individual s perspective, they become more employable. This creates the opportunity for growth. 3. Increasing the quality of service for passengers/residents/tourists One of Merseytravel s core objectives is to improve the levels of patronage across our network by offering first class customer service. The Employment and Skills team adds customer service based qualifications to assist any new employees into their sector to improve the customer service skills and its importance for business. Merseytravel wants passengers, residents and tourists alike who have just used a service to feel that it was an enjoyable, safe experience and something that they would to do again. Increasing the level of customer service will, in turn, encourage existing workforces to improve and reach the standard set. 4. Changing the culture of recruitment This funding has allowed Merseytravel to assist in the development of a changed recruitment culture. Gaining relevant qualifications in any transport can be costly, therefore many organisations will hire employees who are already qualified but are not up to the standard that they should be. By working closely with Jobcentre Plus pre-employment training academies that are wholly funded through the Local Sustainable Transport Fund, we offer unemployed people of Merseyside the opportunity to get into a sector that may have been difficult in the past. Organisations are now employing fresh, enthusiastic faces with a new outlook and most importantly, an aptitude and the correct attitude to progress. 5. Reduce worklessness on Merseyside Probably the most important aspect in regards to the Liverpool City Region is to reduce worklessness on Merseyside. This funding allows for the opportunity to do this in a structured and sustainable manner which will keep the individuals in employment. Reduced worklessness will assist with not only the reduction in state aid but, more importantly, getting individuals paying back into the system and into society. Our project also ensures that the correct people are placed into these jobs, thus reducing the probability of turnover.

4 6 Case Study 1 Darren Stewart Operational Manager Huyton Travel Limited (HTL) 7 HTL is a key partner with Merseytravel, working in partnership with Jobcentre Plus (JCP) and Warrington Collegiate to recruit new drivers into the industry. The maritime and cruise sector has a rich history within Merseyside and with the opening of the Liverpool Cruise terminal and both Liverpool and Wirral waters projects, employment opportunities will soon be readily available. Through the LSTF initiative and working with Seascope Maritime Training, a four week maritime training academy has been developed. By working with Merseytravel and developing a Sector Based Work Academy (SBWA), HTL have been able to recruit drivers based on their positive attitude, their communication skills and their willingness to learn new skills. HTL has increased their recruitment to over 20 new drivers and HTL Operations Manager Darren Stewart said We ve made a real change in the way we recruit. We ve worked closely with JCP to give people a chance, in the past they would have been overlooked. But in fact what s happened is that the new drivers have thrived on the opportunity Merseytravel has provided the funding for the new employees to receive PCV training through the Local Sustainable Transport Fund and, combined with sector-specific pre employment training provided by Warrington Collegiate, they are ready to start with HTL. Darren continues We know they have the skills to help our customers, what we have provided are the skills to drive the bus it s working really well. In fact it s working so well that a couple of the new Case Study 2 Alfie Hincks, Director and Trainer and Fateh Kechroud, learner on Maritime Training Academy Seascope Maritime Training Fateh originates from Algeria and joined the academy in June. He was unemployed for some time; he can speak French and Arabic and his experience within hospitality and catering made him an ideal candidate for this course. Fateh says: I have found the training really, really interesting. We have completed fire prevention training and underwater survival techniques. These have been fascinating to take part in. drivers are at the top of our quality performance charts already. They are performing as well as our experienced drivers in terms of safety and efficiency and it s increasing the quality right across the team. I m really looking forward to the new recruits carrying on this positive approach. Chair of Merseytravel Liam Robinson said It s great to see operators getting involved with the project. We want our partners to recruit new people based on their attitude and their abilities to serve the Merseyside public. This type of scheme allows a new positive approach to recruitment. Not only does it create real job opportunities for Merseyside people but we know that passengers will benefit from an increase in driver standards. All candidates have to complete mandatory courses such as firefighting and prevention, personal safety at sea, crowd control management and food hygiene courses along with additional customer service qualifications, including an introduction to languages. Fateh continued This opportunity has been great for my confidence; I know I can make something of this qualification which will hopefully lead me on to bigger and better things. It was awful being unemployed, and very hard to stay focused and keep a positive attitude. Alfie Hincks, Director and trainer at Seascope Maritime Training added Maritime employment always stays under the radar during recessions because there is a lack of knowledge and understanding in the wider society when it comes to recruitment. Merseytravel and Seascope are working in partnership to open these opportunities. Since 2004, Seascope Maritime Training has assisted 700 individuals into maritime employment through training and recruitment. This training academy shows that the maritime sector can provide unemployed people in Merseyside with realistic opportunities of a career.

5 8 Case Study 3 Natalie Burns Bus Driver Impera, employed August 2013 Natalie first heard about the bus driver academy through Jobcentre Plus. When she was made redundant from her previous job she wanted to focus on a completely new career path. Natalie says: This was a very brave career move for me as my background is in law. I graduated with a dual degree from John Moores University obtaining two first class degrees in law and criminal justice. I like being out and about and meeting different people, office jobs aren t for me. When I found myself redundant for five months it was awful as I was financially dependent on my parents and that s not something you want to do at the age of twenty-three. My advisor put me in touch with Merseytravel and the Employment and Skills team who invited me to an open day for possible bus driver recruitment with Impera. 9 Case Study 4 Jo Somerset Director BikeRight! UK The training course was brilliant, our trainer Joe was from Warrington College and was an ex bus driver. It was really great to be taught what we needed to know from a bus driver s perspective. He has a vast amount of knowledge and tips of the trade which you couldn t just learn in a classroom, it comes through experience. Additionally we were also taught from a professional teaching perspective with various theory based learning and activities. After the three weeks I left the academy, did my theory test and was booked in for a week long intensive driver training course which was fantastic. I passed my actual test a few weeks ago and am pleased to say I now hold a full PCV licence for bus driving. Who says women can t be bus drivers?? BikeRight! are the largest cycle training organisation in the UK, originating from Manchester in 2003, they expanded into Merseyside in They are contracted to deliver Bikeability training to all primary schools across Merseyside as well as national standard cycle training for adults, mostly through community groups, local authorities, business engagement and other LSTF project streams aimed at sustainable and active travel. Jo Somerset, Director at BikeRight! states that the Choose Freedom project was formulated to promote active travel in North Liverpool in order to maximise their ability to seek work and training in a broad geographical area. The idea was to create job opportunities through a two week sustainable transport skills academy. Six individuals completed the training and four were offered freelance cycle instructor training jobs with BikeRight! These individuals now go into schools, run community events and liaise with businesses One example from this scheme is one individual who works with us five days a week within term time teaching Bikeability to primary school children across Merseyside. He passed his post course assessment and now is a fully qualified instructor who is registered on the national database

6 10 11 Case Study 5 Dee McDermott & Joe Christopherson UK Railway Ltd UK Railway Ltd are an organisation in their first year of business that offers pre-employment training to individuals who are not in employment, education or training (NEET) and unemployed adults. The LSTF funding has changed our learners lives, they are more confident as they have been given a goal to achieve. Their economic status changes, improving their family life and substance abuse levels are declining. Based at Prescot train station, Joe Christopherson, and Dee McDermott, deliver occupational skills to ensure their learners are job ready and to assist them into employment. On completion of the course the suitable candidates are put forward to complete Personal Track Safety training. Joe says our business has grown through this funding; our workforce has grown 150% because of the demand from employers for our candidates. We are hoping that the funding will continue as we are getting people into work and the funding that is given is vital. In 2012, their first cohort of NEETs completed their training and 50% found employment. However like most organisations, the biggest problem UK Railway faces is securing consistent funding. Dee said competition for railway training is really fierce, but the LSTF funding we receive has assisted us dramatically otherwise we wouldn t be able to deliver this training. The funding takes the scheme a step further by giving full training that is needed for employment. This allows our learners to become more job ready and employable to the organisations we work with Currently twenty individuals have completed the full training through the LSTF fund and 80% are now in employment. Case Study 6 Linda Murphy Mersey Ferries Sales Officer, employed July 2013 Linda began her journey with Mersey Ferries in July and was employed as a direct result of the LSTF project and Jobcentre Plus s Universal Job Match selection process. Her excellent background in finance, customer service delivery, sales and retail meant she was an excellent candidate for the above position. Linda said: I was made redundant from my job in finance and was out of work for some time. Having moved from Manchester to Liverpool I needed a regular income. I took various jobs such as a baker in a supermarket and a confectionary outlet to get by. This opportunity from Mersey Ferries and the LSTF fund has been fantastic for me. Without this, who knows I may have still been unemployed. Since her appointment in July, Linda has gone on to complete World Host training; a first class qualification in tourism and customer service funded through LSTF. Linda says: This has allowed me to enhance my existing skills in the principles of excellent customer service and additionally taught me certain skills used to help tourists in Liverpool. This will be really beneficial to me as it is a recognised qualification used in the tourism industry. Completing this has shown me that there is always room to up skill yourself, regardless of your age or the level you are currently at in the workplace. Merseytravel has proved they are more than willing to invest in their staff in order for them to achieve their full potential.

7 12 Case Study 7 John Gaze and Peter Kelly Trainee Arriva Bus Drivers Arriva Bus and Coach 13 I have total respect for Arriva and for what bus drivers do. I feel I now understand what they represent. I feel very proud to have completed the academy and would really recommend it to anyone thinking of a career within the transport sector. Peter successfully completed the academy in June: John and Peter attended a three week sector based work academy in June They both found themselves unemployed around the same time. Both were extremely complimentary of the training they received from Merseytravel and explain why LSTF is an excellent scheme in helping unemployed individuals into permanent employment within the transport industry. John says: After being made redundant it was extremely disheartening but having completed the training I can honestly say that it has exceeded above and beyond my expectations. I used to look at bus drivers as just bus drivers but I certainly don t now. It made me realise and understand the level of care and concern a company like Arriva have for the customer, and for people who sometimes need that extra bit of help within society. I was made redundant in January and ironically was offered a job the day I got the call to say I had been selected for the bus driver academy. I had to make a decision there and then, and decided I wanted to go on the academy. It s proved to be one of the best decisions I have made. It s so difficult to find a job these days, I know because I ve been through it. It s a fantastic scheme and it s great that companies such as Merseytravel are putting together these schemes targeting people who need help the most. They could have an array of skills and knowledge that could be ideal in other areas and are easily transferable. Peter and John are ready to complete their PCV licences with Arriva in August. Case Study 8 Joe Comerford Warrington Collegiate Merseytravel has been working in partnership with Warrington Collegiate, to deliver the Level 2 Award in Knowledge for a Professional Bus or Coach Driver qualification to over 50 students. The strong working relationship between Merseytravel and the College has ensured that the project continues to develop. This part of the project is funded by the European Social Fund. Joe Comerford, Tutor at Warrington Collegiate, has worked exceptionally hard to drive the project forward. He continues to demonstrate a professional attitude and has a wealth of skills and knowledge. Joe started his career as a bus driver and then decided he wanted to specialise in the training side of bus driving. He currently delivers the Sector Based Work Academies held at Merseytravel. The academies consist of theory based classroom learning and when completed, result in an NVQ in bus driver training. The LSTF initiative in Merseytravel is especially rewarding as it s good to see organisations putting their resources into supporting individuals who are already at a distinct disadvantage, perhaps not work ready, and working with employers to help them into permanent and sustainable employment. There will be some people who just want to be drivers and that is perfectly fine but there will be others who want to progress higher up the ladder. The opportunities in transport are endless such as supervisors, trainers, operational managers, inspectors to name a few. These can all be excellent rewarding careers for the right candidate. I started out as a bus driver and 10 years on I have worked my way up. I have a great fulfilling career helping the new recruits and I really enjoy passing on all my knowledge to anyone looking to enter the sector. The students have received conditional offers of employment by various Merseyside bus and coach companies who work in partnership with Merseytravel and can join the companies providing they successfully complete the Passenger Carrying Vehicle (PCV) test. Paul Hafren, Principal at Warrington Collegiate adds, We are delighted to be working in partnership with Merseytravel. As a college our aim for our students is that they are enterprising, highly skilled and professional; well prepared for the rigours of the job market of the 21st century.

8 14 15 Case study 9 Lila Bennett Director Transform CIC Women Like Us Moving into Transport Lila Bennett, Director of Transform CIC speaks enthusiastically about an innovative new project aimed at assisting women into the transport sector. With LSTF assistance the scheme started in August 2013 engaging and recruiting ten women from local LSTF areas. Women Like Us Moving into Transport is a multi-cultural project. The project will deliver a national accredited Level 2 Introduction to Training for Travel Trainers and a Level 2 Progression Award. The candidates will undertake two mini projects focusing on establishing and operating a community transport service and establishing a women-only taxi company. For a number of our candidates English is their second language Lila states, many are qualified professionals however this does not translate well into our educational system. This 20 week course is an enterprise project training the women in equality and diversity, money management and productive work experience. Through the project work they will gain the skills to develop their own social enterprise. Since 1998, Transform CIC has been assisting residents of Merseyside to actively use transport. In time they identified a provision for people who couldn t independently use public transport. Through Merseytravel s TO GO Partnership, the level 2 accredited course was designed and establish for people to train vulnerable or less confident individuals to use transport actively and confidently. The project would not be able to happen without the LSTF funding, it is becoming more difficult to get grants but the LSTF is assisting the furthest from the labour market. Being able to give people the opportunity in developing an idea and to give them the tools and techniques to succeed in developing social enterprises is what community engagement is about. This is a niche market and the LSTF is helping to meet the needs. For more information on how the Local Sustainable Transport Funding can assist your recruitment and training with organisations please contact; Steve Woods Employment and Skills Manager Stephen.woods@merseytravel.gov.uk Tel: Matthew Chamberlain Employment and Skills Officer Matthew.chamberlain@merseytravel.gov.uk Tel: Angela Tully Employment and Skills Assistant Angela.tully@merseytravel.gov.uk Tel:

9 Wholly funded by the DfT