Opportunity to access 100% DfT funded training in bus service commissioning and operations
We are delighted to share the next opportunity to access one of the fully funded places on the CILT (UK)’s Certificate in Bus Service Commissioning and Operations (BSCO). This funding is provided by the Department for Transport and programme managed by CILT(UK).
The CILT(UK) BSCO learning programme is designed for those working in local authorities with public transport responsibilities, bus operators and the wider profession to support effective implementation of the strategy to get better services that passengers need. Topics and themes covered in the learning programme, relevant to both local authorities and bus operators, deliver skills, knowledge and understanding leading to closer working relationships and successful partnerships.
Developed in a joint effort by CILT(UK), Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT), Association of Transport Coordinating Officers (ATCO), and representatives across the profession, the qualification supports the national strategy aimed to deliver better bus services for passengers across England through improvements in how services are planned and delivered and is the only comprehensive bus training programme currently offered in the UK. It is aligned to the work of the ‘Bus Centre of Excellence’ which was created to deliver a long-term support programme to build up local authority capability.
The proposed learner audience for the funded places are:
Engaged local transport authority staff with limited experience or no prior learning in the field and a direct link to bus service commissioning and operations for their LTA.
Newly engaged local authority staff with limited experience or no prior learning in the field and a direct link to bus service commissioning and operations for their LTA.
The course is delivered through a digital platform by leading training provider PTRC, giving learners flexibility over when and where they study, enabling them to take control over the best times to study as well as access to a host of resources to enhance the learning journey. Supported by digital classrooms which are facilitated by experts from the profession to focus on how the learning can be applied in the workplace.
Lasting for approximately 24 weeks (subject to public holidays) learners would need to undertake 5-7 hours study per week. There are 10 timetabled digital classroom sessions, the majority lasting 3 hours which will be scheduled between 9-5 on a weekday throughout the programme. This course concludes with an online examination to achieve the qualification.
Course Details
The course begins on the 25th September 2025 with an Introduction to the BSCO and a release of their first eLearning Modules.
The course ends with the formal assessment on the 13th March 2026
How to apply for a funded place for a member of your team
If more than one Learner is suitable for the course, a Primary Learner may be nominated by the LTA. Additional Learners may be considered, please also submit their names.
Details of the ‘Primary Learner’ and their nominated line manager’s names, job titles and .gov email addresses need to be sent to bsco@ciltuk.org.uk by the deadline of Midday Friday 22nd August 2025.
Both the learner and the line manager will then receive further correspondence in order to move forward with enrolment onto the course.
Enrolment agreements will then need to be completed by the learner and their nominated line manager for the Primary Learner Funded Place Tuesday 26th August 2026
For more details about the qualification program or the application process, please feel free to contact bsco@ciltuk.org.uk