First Buses Learning Group
The members of the First Buses Learning Group come from countries as diverse as Turkey, France, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, the Czech Republic, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Somalia and Poland, and are using the time when they’re not behind the wheel to work on their English skills on a voluntary basis – often in between their shifts, on their days off and after working long hours.
The ESOL course helps them to fill in forms, to read health and safety texts and provide information for their passengers. The group has achieved City & Guilds Literacy, Numeracy and ESOL qualifications and some have built up sufficient confidence to enter – and win – the annual First Bus/NIACE short story competitions.
They are keen to learn about each other’s cultures and festivals, taking part in cultural activities at the bus garage such as learning African drumming. “The group works so well because of their enthusiasm,” said Susan Gallagher, Skills for Life tutor. “The drivers take responsibility for their own learning and take work home to share with their families. Many of the drivers dedicate their own time to studying in between their shifts.”
Driver Tomas Michalowski has gained Level 1 Literacy and is studying for Level 2. “It’s good to be able to speak a language which is used in this country as it gives me an opportunity to advance at work,” he said. “I’m starting to feel more articulate and it’s less daunting to speak to other people.”