After overcoming the first hurdle in securing a job as an apprentice with an Ellesmere Port engineering firm, teenager Tom Jones found he faced another obstacle … how to get to and from his new place of work.

That’s where Ellesmere Workwise Wheels 2 Work scheme to help starters in the workplace, trainees or young students came to the rescue – providing the transport to help him commute with ease over the first six months in his job.

Operating in Chester and Ellesmere Port, the ‘Scooter Commuter’ initiative targets 16-19-year-olds and is one of a range across the county, funded by the North West Development Agency, and delivered by local authorities and other bodies.

“Thanks to additional funding we hope to offer more scooters to satisfy demand, ” explains Workwise Scheme co-ordinator Bob Hughes, “The aim is to provide a stop-gap to help young people save up for their own transport in the meantime.”

For more details of the ’Wheels to Work’ scheme– also operating  in Vale Royal, Crewe and Macclesfield areas – call 0845 11 333 11