Carer lands dream job as Metro tram driver after retraining

Chris Bruce, aged 59, had been caring for his mother who had dementia and mobility issues for 18 years and he was a stay-at-home dad during the Covid lockdown.

After his mother’s death in 2019, he said he felt he didn’t have relevant skills and lacked the confidence to get back into work – and was unsure 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.

Chris with Neil Hocknull, learning and development officer at Midland Metro Alliance (Image: WMCA)

Now, after completing the course, his life is back on track and he’s working full-time as a tram driver with West Midlands Metro.

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“I started looking for work in March 2023 but I knew my employment skills were outdated and this hit my confidence.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."

Chris’s determination to land his dream job earned him a Learning for World Adult Learner 2024 award.

The awards are held each year by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) to shine a light on learners, tutors and employers across the West Midlands.

Chris receiving his award from Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, and Nick Bailey (Image: WMCA)

Mayor of the West Midlands and WMCA chairperson 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 everyone has the opportunity to get on in life.”

Ruth Trethewey, curriculum manager at Dudley College of Technology, said Chris “worked hard to overcome his anxiety and started to believe he may be able to achieve his goal to become a tram driver” and she added: “The effort he has put into his training had paid off. He now looks forward to his future with West Midlands Metro."