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A new training programme has been launched in a bid to encourage more people to become bus drivers.

The three-week scheme is being held in Wolverhampton and is aimed at people who are aged 19 and above, who are either unemployed or earning less than £30,000.

It is being run by Telford College to help fill dozens of vacancies across the West Midlands.

The training starts on 3 June, and includes a guaranteed interview and job offer for everyone who completes it.

Beckie Bosworth, director of employability at Telford College, said: “We have worked closely with the teams at National Express West Midlands to create the programme, and are incredibly grateful to the combined authority for providing funding.

“The hope is that we will be able to roll it out to other places around the region – much as we have done with our incredible successful HGV driver training bootcamps.”

Paul Sumner, head of resourcing at National Express, added: "We are committed to giving people from all backgrounds the chance to come and join us,."

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