First Bus has welcomed the latest wave of engineering apprentices to its training academy at Reaseheath College in Cheshire – the UK’s first dedicated bus and coach engineering facility.
The new cohort of apprentices started their induction with a team-building activity and talk from First Bus’ Director of Engineering Excellence, Chris Remnant – followed by a tour of the training academy.
Of the 36 new apprentices joining the programme, all English-based students will complete their apprenticeship at Reaseheath in Nantwich.
Meanwhile, four Scottish students will complete their studies closer to home at GTG College in Glasgow.
First Bus opened its bespoke engineering apprentice academy in partnership with Reaseheath College in October 2021, allowing hundreds of career starters and career changers to train for roles within the transport industry.
The training facility offers a depot-style environment to help apprentices transition seamlessly between college and the workplace.
By working with replica equipment at college, apprentices can put the skills they learn straight into practice at the depot – progressing their development into First Bus’ full-time engineers of the future.
A key component of the apprenticeship is the inclusion of hybrid vehicles.
The apprenticeship also enables students to earn while they learn and offers an accommodation package for when students are on block.
Mr Remnant said: “Our apprentices begin their careers in an environment where they can flourish and learn.
“The sky really is the limit and there are lots of exciting opportunities within First Bus. Some might choose to move into management and some will become specialists.”
