Carer changes track to land dream tram driver job

Chris Bruce said he had realised his childhood ambition in his late fifties

For Chris Bruce, becoming a tram driver was a childhood dream.

The former carer and stay-at-home father was always interested in a life on the tracks.

But for the Halesowen man, it wasn't until his late fifties when he fulfilled the childhood ambition.

The 59-year-old has now won an award for the achievement and spoke about how other people can achieve their objectives later on in life.

"I was caring for my mother until she passed away in 2019," Mr Bruce said.

"Then Covid struck and I was caring for my two younger children during 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“I started looking for work in March 2023 but I knew my employment skills were outdated and this hit my confidence.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."

Mr Bruce joined a course that allowed him to train to become a tram driver

The father-of-two visited his local job centre and found out about a work programme at Dudley College of Technology.

The course allowed him to train as a tram driver and guaranteed him a job interview.

He now works full time, shipping passengers from Birmingham to Wolverhampton and back.

Chris Bruce with actor Nicholas Bailey and West Midlands' mayor Richard Parker as he received his award

Mr Bruce has since earned an adult learner award for his determination, receiving it from the West Midlands Combined Authority at a ceremony attended by region's mayor, Richard Parker.

"Since I was a little boy I’d always wanted to be a tram or train driver," Mr Bruce added.

“When I was offered the job, the six-year-old in me was running around the room screaming with excitement."

He added the experience had opened a new door in his life and he wanted to share his story so others know that the option is there for them.