First Bus wins employee learning prizes

First Bus wins employee learning prizes

Local bus operator, First Bus, has been named the best large organisation for employee learning. The national accolade, presented by the Campaign for Learning, recognised the company’s contribution to the Learning at Work Week, a national initiative that took place in May last year.

Throughout the week, thousands of colleagues at 60 nation-wide sites across First Bus, including First Manchester, benefitted from online learning courses and e-learning tools. In addition to online learning, activities across the First Manchester depots included; hairdressing courses with Bury College, learn to cook classes, and cycle maintenance with TfGM.

First Bus also won the ‘Employers Working in Partnership’ award in a joint entry with Unite – the UK’s largest trade union.

Most activity was concentrated around the First Manchester Learning Centre, which helps colleagues develop and learn new skills: how to use a computer, the internet, email or social media; or improve existing skills such as numeracy and literacy. Amongst hundreds of options, it even offers courses in scuba diving and conversational Spanish.

Hansi Jackson, Head of Learning and Development at First Manchester, said: “We constantly seek new ways to not only engage colleagues, but to also encourage self-development. Given participating in the National Learning at Work Week was a first for First Bus, I’m delighted that we’ve picked up not one, but two awards.

“We know there is a real thirst amongst colleagues for learning new skills or improving existing ones. Our Learning Centre in Manchester continues to thrive and was especially active during Learning at Work Week. We’re already looking forward to participating in National Learning at Work Week 2017.”

Julia Wright, National Director, Campaign for Learning said: "Learning at Work Week celebrates the deep and positive impact of learning for our work and home lives, and workplace agendas, from wellbeing through driving innovation to productivity. It’s a real privilege to work with so many great companies and organisations each year who believe in the transformative effect of learning and are passionate about engaging colleagues across their business.

“This year’s award entry once again demonstrates how creative, multi-disciplinary approaches that bring learning, marketing and communications together can have a significant impact on building learning cultures at work."