Job Description

Want to get paid while you learn and set yourself up for life by completing a best-in-class Apprenticeship!

For this Bus Engineering Apprenticeship - You will be based at a Go South West bus depot in Exeter for on-the-job training and attend training/education blocks within Camberwell bus garage in London.

Go-Ahead is launching a ground-breaking initiative to reshape the future of engineering in the public transport sector. Our two world-class Engineering Training Centres will standardise and elevate the quality of engineering skills across the industry. This initiative will help address the critical challenges facing transport, from workforce shortages to supporting national sustainability priorities. By focusing on cutting-edge training in fleet electrification and sustainable transport, we're aligning with the UK's goals of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 and revitalising the nation's technical workforce.

Our vision is to create a new standard in engineering excellence, driving progress for the entire public transport industry.

From your very first day with us, you'll be gaining transferrable skills - skills that will set you up for life. A 7000 strong fleet of buses, Coaches and support vehicles need those skills to maintain and repair a diverse range of driveline technologies.

Our buses are often on the roads 24 hours a day, so our technicians need to be enthusiastic, well trained and customer focused to ensure our fleets performance is optimised. To achieve this, we need to provide the most up to date facilities to train our current teams, supply the tooling and information they need, provide clear pathways to progression and look to the future by recruiting the best people to enter an apprenticeship that will culminate with them joining those teams within our operating companies.

We are looking to recruit Apprentice Technicians throughout the UK and Ireland that are highly motivated and have the ability to learn and understand complex Mechanical and Electrical systems. For those of you that think this is for you and have what it takes read on...

To ensure that your first placement in the garage workshops isn't one of fear of the unknown, you will be seconded to one of our 2 national 'state of the art' engineering academies where you will spend your first 8 weeks learning many of the basic skills and Work Instructions that you will need throughout your career. Depending on your home location you are likely to be required to stay within easy travel distance to the academies. You can expect travel, accommodation and Breakfast/Dinner to be fully funded by us. You will of course return home for the weekend with your academy training courses starting at 12 on a Monday and finishing at 12 on a Friday (BH weeks are shorter). We have full time Mentors that have trod the path of a modern apprenticeship, so are there to help you and fully understand the challenges that you will face. You will also receive their support and guidance whist back at your operating company completing on the job training along with garage-based Mentors.

Your college blocks will also be tutored at our academies with the industry leading 'S&B Automotive Academy' providing full support and course delivery. Your first year will see you revisit the academies for 2 more extended blocks where you will participate in tasks such as a complete engine strip and rebuild to help build your understanding of how things work and why we maintain them. Safeguarding policies are always in place.

As you progress through your first year you will be given the opportunity to gain a full UK driving license paid for by Go-Ahead.

Entry requirements:

At Go-Ahead we look for a strong motivation to learn and a passion for the automotive industry. All applicants for our Apprenticeship go through a robust selection process which includes testing and interviews before finally being offered a position on our Apprenticeship scheme. Desirable attributes as follows:

Grade level 4 and above in including English, Maths and a Science related subject. Possess a good level of problem-solving skills. No prerequisite experience necessary but a demonstrable interest in engineering through school or hobby interests. I.T literate and be familiar with Microsoft Office software. Aptitude for practical engineering skills. The ability to work as a team member and possess good interpersonal, communication and literacy skills.
Go-Ahead values diversity and promotes equality and we encourage and welcome applications from all sections of the community.

FAQ:

(Question and Answers)

Where is the Academy? -

Within Camberwell bus garage (London).

Will I need to stay overnight? -

Yes.

Who will pay for my Hotel? -

Go-Ahead.

Is the Hotel safe? -

All hotels will agree to our safeguarding policy.

How will I get to the Academy from the Hotel? -

Public Transport.

How will I get from home to the Academy and return? -

Public Transport.

Who supplies tools?

Go-Ahead.

What Qualification will I obtain? -

Bus & Coach Engineering Technician (MechElec) Level 3 Apprenticeship Standard.

Why aren't I going to a college ? -

The Tutors come to our academies.

What happens if my GCSE Grades aren't high enough? -

Depending on Grades obtained, there is a post application assessment to sit.

What will I get paid per week? -

1st Year 410.97 (2nd & 3rd year uplift applicable).

What about Holidays? -

20 days plus BHs (28 in total). Holidays not to be taken during academy time. Please ensure you are free from July this year.

When does the apprenticeship start?

7th July 2025.

Are there any further benefits? -

Free bus travel. Contributory Pension Scheme.
Job Types: Full-time, Apprenticeship

Pay: From 21,370.44 per year

Benefits:

Company pension Health & wellbeing programme
Schedule:

Monday to Friday
Work Location: In person

Expected start date: 07/07/2025