Step Into Driving, a pilot employability scheme from Karbon Homes, Job Centre Plus and Stanley Travel, has not only helped Simon Lyonette pass his bus driving theory test, but has guaranteed him employment.
Simon, having served in the Army, was looking for a new career but was very anxious about getting a job after being unemployed for a significant period of time.
Simon shared his experience of the employability scheme: “The theory test was the hardest part, I’m much more of a practical person. I definitely wouldn’t have passed if I hadn’t done the preparation with Sean.
“I can’t wait, I’m excited to get out on the road. For people who are interested in getting this type of work it’s a great foot in the door.”
Simon is starting his new role with Stanley Travel after he recently passed his practical test with flying colours which is the final stage in the process.
Sean Robson, Karbon’s Foundations Tutor, worked with Simon through the intensive course of bus driving theory: “My role is to help and support customers improve their basic reading, writing and maths skills through various 1-2-1 and group support that helps build confidence to sit their driving theory test.
“Simon has shown real growth and development during his time with Karbon, and I’m thrilled to have supported him to successfully pass his bus driving theory test, the first to do so through our pilot scheme, Step Into Driving. The bus driving content is far greater than a normal theory test with more in-depth learning hours involved.”
Sean delivers training using the DVSA Safe Driving for Life resource which covers all the modules appearing in a driving theory test. Developing customers’ reading comprehension to support their understanding of the hazard perceptions test, Sean also helps customers feel confident in the time pressure of the multiple-choice questions.
“Through Step Into Driving Simon also completed the practical element of the bus driving training, which is funded by Job Centre Plus. Local employer, Stanley Travel, funded Simon’s medical tests.” Sean explains. “It’s a fantastic partnership between the three organisations, which aims to remove employment barriers and deliver on the increasing need for bus drivers in the Stanley area.”
Karbon’s Skills Hub, where Sean is based, is in Stanley which has one of the highest levels of people with no qualifications in the country. In 2019, 8.7% of County Durham’s population had no qualifications in comparison with 7.87% UK wide.
Step Into Driving builds on the success of Karbon’s long running ‘Write Turn’ driving theory programme, which over the past two years has helped over 75 people to sit a driving theory test, with a pass rate of 90%.
Karbon began running the Write Turn programme in Consett and Stanley but, due to demand and success, has now expanded to customers in areas including Hexham, Prudhoe and Newcastle with distance learning available in Morpeth.
The cost of a provisional licence is funded by Karbon which for many people, becomes their only form of photo ID, providing another step towards getting employed.
The skills support has also helped customers achieve their English and Maths Functional Skills qualification to a Level 2, the adult GCSE equivalent which most jobs require.
Money Matters and New Start are other areas of Karbon’s Foundations for Life vision, which link support for customers to help fund their driving test and open new doors of employment opportunity.
Step Into Driving, a pilot employability scheme from Karbon Homes, Job Centre Plus and Stanley Travel, has not only helped Simon Lyonette pass his bus driving theory test, but has guaranteed him employment.
Simon, having served in the Army, was looking for a new career but was very anxious about getting a job after being unemployed for a significant period of time.
Simon shared his experience of the employability scheme: “The theory test was the hardest part, I’m much more of a practical person. I definitely wouldn’t have passed if I hadn’t done the preparation with Sean.
“I can’t wait, I’m excited to get out on the road. For people who are interested in getting this type of work it’s a great foot in the door.”
Simon is starting his new role with Stanley Travel after he recently passed his practical test with flying colours which is the final stage in the process.
Sean Robson, Karbon’s Foundations Tutor, worked with Simon through the intensive course of bus driving theory: “My role is to help and support customers improve their basic reading, writing and maths skills through various 1-2-1 and group support that helps build confidence to sit their driving theory test.
“Simon has shown real growth and development during his time with Karbon, and I’m thrilled to have supported him to successfully pass his bus driving theory test, the first to do so through our pilot scheme, Step Into Driving. The bus driving content is far greater than a normal theory test with more in-depth learning hours involved.”
Sean delivers training using the DVSA Safe Driving for Life resource which covers all the modules appearing in a driving theory test. Developing customers’ reading comprehension to support their understanding of the hazard perceptions test, Sean also helps customers feel confident in the time pressure of the multiple-choice questions.
“Through Step Into Driving Simon also completed the practical element of the bus driving training, which is funded by Job Centre Plus. Local employer, Stanley Travel, funded Simon’s medical tests.” Sean explains. “It’s a fantastic partnership between the three organisations, which aims to remove employment barriers and deliver on the increasing need for bus drivers in the Stanley area.”
Karbon’s Skills Hub, where Sean is based, is in Stanley which has one of the highest levels of people with no qualifications in the country. In 2019, 8.7% of County Durham’s population had no qualifications in comparison with 7.87% UK wide.
Step Into Driving builds on the success of Karbon’s long running ‘Write Turn’ driving theory programme, which over the past two years has helped over 75 people to sit a driving theory test, with a pass rate of 90%.
Karbon began running the Write Turn programme in Consett and Stanley but, due to demand and success, has now expanded to customers in areas including Hexham, Prudhoe and Newcastle with distance learning available in Morpeth.
The cost of a provisional licence is funded by Karbon which for many people, becomes their only form of photo ID, providing another step towards getting employed.
The skills support has also helped customers achieve their English and Maths Functional Skills qualification to a Level 2, the adult GCSE equivalent which most jobs require.
Money Matters and New Start are other areas of Karbon’s Foundations for Life vision, which link support for customers to help fund their driving test and open new doors of employment opportunity.
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