First Buses - A Long Term Partnership

Debbie Ricketts completed a NVQ 2 in Customer Services at Northumberland Park Bus Depot. 

Debbie proved to be a very committed student, in addition to always completing her work on target, she proved to be a source of support and encouragement to the other learners in the group.

Since completing her NVQ, Debbie has been selected to be the Union Learning Rep for the depot and now actively recruits other staff members onto subsequent NVQ programmes delivered by TowerSkills. With her noticeable increased confidence, she has become a positive ambassador for continued career development supporting current learners and being a point of contact for new recruits.

Since Debbie’s involvement as a Learning Rep the number of employees studying the NVQ 2 in Customer Service has doubled and Debbie spends one day a week in the depot giving information and guidance to potential candidates, advising them on the best course for their needs. Debbie works in full partnership with First Group and Tower Hamlets College staff in helping to develop new opportunities for additional training.

Debbie is eager to become an assessor herself and is due to commence an A2 qualification in January 2009 through Tower Hamlets College. This will enable her to extend her current role and will be her first level 3 qualification.