MADAM – Labour councillors at Shire Hall have successfully launched the county’s first apprentice travel card scheme, which offers a free bus pass to young residents taking part in an apprenticeship.

The scheme has been set up to help young people into employment and support economic growth in Gloucestershire.

With a Thinksmart travel card, apprentices get 100 free bus journeys which can be taken in the county and to neighbouring towns served by direct bus services from Gloucestershire, such as Monmouth, Ross-on-Wye, Chepstow and Bristol.

Buses are fitted with Thinksmart technology, so cards just need to be swiped getting on the bus, like an Oyster card.

I am delighted that already a number of young people have already signed up.

I’m grateful to the employers, colleges and bus companies who’ve worked together with the county council to enable us to offer this fantastic opportunity.

The Thinksmart card will remove one of the barriers that prevent young people accepting an apprenticeship.

This is a Labour policy, that Labour councillors have delivered.

Creating an apprentice travel card was a manifesto promise that the Labour councillors have delivered, even though we are in opposition at the county council.

Apprentices receive a very low wage and many say that transport costs are a barrier to accepting training.

Labour has delivered on its promise to help apprentices in Gloucestershire.

This is just the first step and we will be looking at other ways in which the council can support apprenticeships in the county.

Lesley Williams

Stonehouse