The Mayor of London has launched two new Edexcel vocational qualifications for London's bus drivers, conductors and service controllers.

The first new BTEC covers issues such as defensive driving skills; health, safety and security; operating the bus service; the London bus industry and communication skills through classroom and practical sessions. It will be compulsory for all new bus drivers, existing staff will be trained as soon as practicable, and is funded by Transport for London.

John Kerr, Chief Executive at Edexcel, said, “We are pleased to have worked with TfL in developing this BTEC qualification that was tailor-made to meet their specific requirements.

"BTEC qualifications are a proven model for delivering relevant, employable skills into the labour market, and are an ideal platform for helping Government achieve its aims of increasing vocational education and encouraging lifelong learning.”

There is a separate BTEC for service controllers, who will all have completed their qualification by the end of this year.  Both qualifications follow a structured training programme normally spread over a 3-6 month period. The BTEC is part of a national framework of industry vocational qualifications externally assessed by Edexcel.

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