A former carer from Halesowen has achieved his childhood dream of becoming a tram driver after going back into learning.
Chris Bruce, aged 59, had been caring for his mother who was living with dementia and had mobility issues for 18 years and was a stay-at-home dad during the Covid lockdown.
Chris Bruce, Tram driver with Midland Metro Alliance
When his mother sadly passed away in 2019, Chris felt he didn’t have relevant skills and lacked the confidence to get back into work – and wasn’t sure where to go next.
Then, following 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, after completing the course, his life is heading in a new direction as a full-time tram driver on the with West Midlands Metro.
His determination to land his dream job earned him a Learning for Work Adult Learner 2024 award.
Chris with Neil Hocknull, Learning and Development officer at Midland Metro Alliance
Chris said: “I 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“I started looking for work in March 2023 but I knew my employment skills were outdated and this hit my confidence.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.”
The Adult Learner Awards are held each year by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) to shine a light on learners, tutors, employers across the West Midlands.
Mayor of the West Midlands and WMCA Chair Richard Parker, who presented Christopher with his award, 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.”
Chris receiving his Adult Learner award from Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands and Nick Bailey
Ruth Trethewey, Curriculum Manager at Dudley College of Technology, said: “When Christopher joined the programme, you could see he was lacking in confidence.
“He worked hard to overcome his anxiety and started to believe that he may be able to achieve his goal to become a tram driver.
“The effort he has put into his training had paid off. He now looks forward to his future with West Midlands Metro.”
This week is the Learning and Work Institute’s Lifelong Learning Week which seeks to raise awareness amongst organisations, education providers and lifelong learning advocates of the opportunities to collaborate on conferences, talks, learning taster sessions and more. This year’s theme is ‘The case for learning.’
Running since 1996, the Learning and Work Institute’s Adult Participation in Learning Survey has also been launched this week. It has provided a unique overview of how many adults take part in learning, their reasons for doing so or not doing so, and how this varies between group and area.
To find out more about the skills courses on offer across the region visit Employment and Skills