Press releases

Seventeen Arriva bus drivers originating from Poland participated in an English course delivered by Dunstable College.

The “English for Speakers of Other Languages” course is for people whose first language is not English. As well as improving the drivers' understanding of the English language, the course also focuses on practical skills which are essential for living and integrating in the UK.

Arriva is working in partnership with a training agency, based in Krakow, which helps to facilitate the relocation of people from Poland to the UK in a managed, supportive way. They are given English language training, capability and competency tests and are prepared for the cultural change, rather than simply making a move to a different country.

Arriva has taken one of its own buses over to Poland so that the drivers have experience of handling a right hand drive vehicle. The company also provides a mentor for each group of Polish employees so if they have any concerns or need to clarify anything, they can do so quickly and personally. And Arriva ensures they have Internet access so that they can keep in touch with their families.

Sean Smales, operations manager of Arriva, Watford, said:

Drivers joining the ESOL course once they have moved to the UK has really helped. They have been able to build on their existing language skills and to develop their skills and confidence to a high standard more quickly.

This not only benefits the company, but has also enabled the drivers to make the most of their move to the UK.

Wlodimierz Woka, one of the drivers who joined Arriva from Poland said:

We liked our English class very much. The people at Arriva are very friendly, and the teacher helped us to talk to the people here and make friends.

Dunstable College run ESOL classes (English for Speakers of Other Languages) throughout the year. They can also deliver courses for individual businesses.