Mechanical and Electrical Bus Engineering Apprentice Technician

Summary

Are you passionate about starting a career in the automotive industry? First Bus London are recruiting motivated individuals for its Bus & Coach Mechelec Engineering Apprenticeship. This opportunity will enable you to gain valuable experience while working alongside a highly skilled team of professionals committed to excellence.

Wage

£22,483.50 a year

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Provisional 2nd Year wage: £28,509.00 and provisional 3rd Year wage: £31,765.50

Training course

Bus and coach engineering technician (level 3)

Hours

Monday to Friday, 7.00am to 3.00pm (30-minute lunch).

37 hours 30 minutes a week

Start date

Monday 21 July 2025

Duration

3 years

Positions available

10

Work

Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.

What you'll do at work

The successful applicant will play an important role in helping to maintain and repair the First Bus London fleet of buses while developing your skills through hands-on experience and formal training. You’ll be working towards a nationally recognised qualification in Bus and Coach Engineering, gaining a solid foundation in both mechanical and electrical systems.

Daily Mechanical & Electrical Tasks You’ll Be Involved In:

Carry out vehicle inspections to check for mechanical and electrical issues.
Assist with diagnostic testing on systems such as engines, brakes, and control units.
Support repair work including fixing gearboxes, lighting systems, and brake components.
Help with routine servicing tasks like oil changes, filter replacements, and fluid checks.

Workshop Duties:

Learn to use tools and diagnostic equipment safely and effectively.
Help identify and order parts needed for maintenance and repairs.
Maintain a clean and organised work area, following good workshop practices.
Shadow experienced technicians to gain insights and learn industry best practices.
Document your work by recording completed tasks and parts used as part of your apprenticeship learning portfolio.

Health & Safety:

Follow all workshop safety rules and wear the correct PPE at all times.
Stay alert to risks and follow correct procedures to maintain a safe working environment for yourself and others.

Where you'll work

74 Chiswick High Road
London
W4 1SY

Training

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

College or training organisation

S & B AUTOMOTIVE ACADEMY LIMITED

Your training course

Bus and coach engineering technician (level 3)

Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)

Your training plan

As part of the Bus and Coach Engineering Technician (MechElec Route) Apprenticeship Standard, you’ll gain hands-on experience in First Bus London’s technical workshops while completing structured training through S&B Automotive Academy in Bedminster, Bristol.

Training Schedule:

You’ll attend eight one-week training blocks per year at S&B’s specialist academy throughout the duration of your apprenticeship.

Support Throughout:

Each apprentice is supported by a dedicated workplace mentor and an S&B development coach. Together, they’ll monitor your progress and provide ongoing guidance via a personalised electronic logbook that both you and your employer can access at any time.

Progression:

At the end of each year, you’ll complete a Gateway Assessment to ensure you're on track before moving on to the next stage, leading up to your final End Point Assessment.

For apprentices based outside Bristol, the Academy is conveniently located within walking distance of Bristol Temple Meads Railway Station. S&B has arrangements with local hotels to provide comfortable accommodation in single-occupancy rooms. Your employer will cover all travel and accommodation expenses during training blocks, including breakfast and a two-course evening meal.

More training information

First Bus London – Apprentice Depot Rotation

First Bus London operates 10 bus depots across the city, forming the backbone of its apprentice training, learning, and development programme. To ensure apprentices gain a broad and practical understanding of mechavical and electrical systems across various operational environments, they will rotate between a combination of these locations during their apprenticeship.

The operational bases include: Hounslow (TW3), Hounslow Heath (TW4), Fulwell (TW2), Shepherds Bush (W12), Stamford Brook (W4), Park Royal (NW10), Tolworth (KT5), Edgware (HA8), Harrow (HA1), and Westbourne Park (W9).

This structured rotation is designed to develop apprentices' electrical skills by exposing them to a range of teams, vehicle types, and operational practices.

To support travel between locations, First Bus London provides free travel passes for all apprentices.

Requirements

Desirable qualifications

GCSE in:

English (grade C/4/Functional Skill Level 2)
Maths (grade C/4/Functional Skill Level 2)

Let the company know about other relevant qualifications and industry experience you have. They can adjust the apprenticeship to reflect what you already know.

Skills

Communication skills
IT skills
Attention to detail
Organisation skills
Problem solving skills
Number skills
Analytical skills
Logical
Team working
Creative
Initiative
Non judgemental
Patience
Physical fitness

Other requirements

Apprenticeship opportunities are highly competitive, so it’s important to submit a well-prepared application. Make sure your application is tailored to the specific apprenticeship you're applying for. Pay close attention to presentation, spelling, and grammar. Be sure to include any relevant experience, qualifications, or hobbies and interests that demonstrate your suitability and enthusiasm for the role.

About this company

First Bus London is a leading public transport operator, providing essential bus services across Greater London. As part of FirstGroup plc, one of the UK’s largest transport companies, First Bus London operates a modern fleet across multiple depots in partnership with Transport for London (TfL). The company is committed to innovation, safety, and sustainability, investing in cleaner technologies and engineering excellence. With a strong focus on passenger service and operational efficiency, First Bus London offers a dynamic environment for apprentices to develop their skills in cutting-edge bus and coach engineering.

https://www.firstbus.co.uk/london (opens in new tab)

After this apprenticeship

At First Bus London, we’re committed to supporting your ongoing development. This apprenticeship is just the beginning to develop a strong foundation for a rewarding career in the transport industry.

Upon successful completion of your training, our aim is to offer you full-time employment as a skilled Bus and Coach Engineering Technician, with further opportunities to grow and specialise within the business.

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