Mechanical and Electrical Bus Engineering Apprentice Technician

First Bus London

London (W4 1SY)

Closes in 24 days (Sunday 7 June 2026 at 11:59pm)

Posted on 13 May 2026

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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

£24,414 a year

Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Provisional 2nd Year wage: £30,946.50

Provisional 3rd Year wage: £34,495.50

Training course
Bus and coach engineering technician (level 3)
Hours
Monday - Friday, 7.00am - 3.00pm (30-minute lunch).

37 hours 30 minutes a week

Start date

Monday 7 September 2026

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 as part of the service maintenance program and MOT preparations
  • Assist with service tasks of oils/filter changes and preventative component replacements
  • Assist with fault diagnostic testing and repair on our fleet Electric, Hybrids and Diesel vehicles
  • Support maintenance work including brake relines, component/ unit failure and repairs

Workshop Duties:

  • Learn to use basic and specialist tools including 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
  • Periods of specialised training with our mobile Master Technicians, Wheelchair ramp shop and attending on road break downs with the garage engineers

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
  • Attend workshop based product and asset familiarisation training

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.

Training provider

S & B AUTOMOTIVE ACADEMY LIMITED

Training course

Bus and coach engineering technician (level 3)

Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)

Training schedule

  • 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
  • You’ll attend 6-8 one-week (Mon-Fri) training blocks per year at S&B’s specialist academy alongside your workplace learning throughout the duration of your 3-year apprenticeship
  • 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
  • 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 End Point Assessment

Training will cover both mechanical and electrical systems, including diagnostics, fault finding, hybrid technology and modern vehicle systems relevant to bus and coach engineering.

  • For national apprentices attending block training in Bristol, S&B Automotive Academy is located a short walk from Bristol Temple Meads railway station
  • Railway Travel and Hotel Accommodation are fully funded by the employer
  • Accommodation during the weekly training blocks includes a standard double room (for single occupancy), Breakfast, two-course evening meal and full compliance with S&B’s Safeguarding Policy

More training information

First Bus London - Apprentice Depot Rotation:

First Bus London operates 9 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 mechanical 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), Tolworth (KT5), Edgware (HA8), Harrow (HA1), and Westbourne Park (W9)
  • Apprentices employed within First Bus London operations will be eligible for free TfL travel benefits, including access to staff Oyster/travel pass arrangements, subject to company and TfL eligibility requirements

Requirements

Desirable qualifications

GCSE in:

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

Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.

Skills

  • Communication skills
  • Attention to detail
  • Organisation skills
  • Problem solving skills
  • Analytical skills
  • Logical
  • Team working
  • Initiative
  • Non judgemental
  • Physical fitness

Other requirements

  • Closing dates, assessment dates, interviews and start dates are subject to change
  • Once S&B receives your application, eligibility and suitability checks will be completed before suitable applicants are shared with First Bus London for review
  • Only shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend an Assessment Day, this will include a mechanical comprehension assessment alongside controlled practical assessments, and interview activities to support the recruitment process
  • You will be contacted by the employer if selected to progress, with shortlisting updates expected around 19th June 2026
  • Proposed Assessment Days: 6th and 17th July 2026
  • If you wish to withdraw your application, please inform us as soon as possible
  • 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 are applying for
  • Pay close attention to presentation, spelling, and grammar
  • Include any relevant experience, qualifications, hobbies, or interests that demonstrate your suitability and enthusiasm for the role

About this employer

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)

Company benefits

Apprentices employed within First Bus London operations will be eligible for free TfL travel benefits, including access to staff Oyster/travel pass arrangements, subject to company and TfL eligibility requirements.

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

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

S & B AUTOMOTIVE ACADEMY LIMITED

S&b Automotive Academy

contactus@sandbaa.com

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000031383.

Apply now

Closes in 24 days (Sunday 7 June 2026 at 11:59pm)