Chris Bruce has always dreamt of being a train or tram driver but thought that the chance had passed but thanks to a scheme in the West Midlands which prepares people who have been out of the job market for some time he has managed to realise his dream. The 59 year old is now working as a driver on the West Midlands Metro and has been recognised with a Learning for Work Adult Learner 2024 award.
Chris had been caring for his mum who was living with dementia and had mobility issues for 18 years and was then a stay at home dad during the Covid lockdown. After his mother sadly passed away in 2019, he felt that he didn’t have the relevant skills and lacked the confidence to get back into work. But then after a visit to the job centre, he found out about a SWAP (Sector-Based Work Programme) at Dudley College of Technology to train as a tram driver.
Now fully qualified he is employed as a tram driver on the West Midlands Metro.
He commented: “was caring for my mother until she passed away in 2019. Then Covid struck and I was caring for my two younger children during through the various lockdowns. I started looking for work in March 2023 but I knew my employment skills were outdated and this hit my confidence. I couldn’t see a way forward where I would be in work.
“Since I was a little boy I’d always wanted to be a tram or train driver so when I was told about the Midlands Metro SWAP I decided to give it a go. Knowing I was guaranteed an interview at the end of course kept me motivated and the mock interview helped me perform well in my actual interview.
“When I was offered the job the six-year-old in me was running around the room screaming with excitement! Being successful with West Midlands Metro has opened a new door in my life and I have felt supported at every step. I know this doesn’t have to be the end of my career path.”
Richard Parker, Mayor of West Midlands and WMCA Chair, said: “Christopher’s story is an inspiration to us all. This training has given him the chance to get on track for a career he has always dreamed of.
“I returned to learning at a later stage and often it just takes someone to believe in you to make a difference – it was this belief and encouragement from others that helped launch my career.
“I want everyone to have access to good jobs and careers which is why my priority is to train up our workforce and bring more jobs into our region, so that everyone has the opportunity to get on in life.”