At a Glance
- Tasks: Train to inspect, diagnose, and repair buses while gaining hands-on experience.
- Company: Join Arriva, a leader in sustainable bus travel and community connection.
- Benefits: Earn while you learn with competitive pay and career progression opportunities.
- Other info: 4-year apprenticeship with state-of-the-art training and mentorship from experienced technicians.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team revolutionising bus travel and making a real impact.
- Qualifications: GCSE Maths and English at Grade C/Level 3 minimum; inquisitive mindset required.
The predicted salary is between 18 - 20 £ per hour.
Company: Arriva Kent & Surrey Limited
At Arriva, our Engineering Teams keep our buses moving and the communities we serve connected. As an Apprentice Bus Technician, you will be trained to inspect, diagnose, repair and test equipment and systems on buses from different manufacturers. The work ranges from performing simple tasks, like replacing a part to solving complex faults often using diagnostic equipment. The tasks faced by a technician are constantly changing as vehicles become more complex with the introduction of new technologies and differing fuel types. At Arriva, you will have the opportunity to develop your skills and experience across a range of vehicles. You will be based at our Maidstone depot, working alongside an experienced team who will support and mentor you along the way.
About the Apprenticeship
This 4-year programme is working towards a Bus and Coach Technician Level 3 qualification with a specialism in Mech/Elec (mechanical / electrical). The course runs with 5-day training blocks every 6-weeks which take place at our partner’s state-of-the-art workshop in Wolverhampton. The course will give you skills and experience to give you the required level of competence to become a skilled Bus Engineer, including:
- How to inspect, diagnose and record defects to the applicable standard
- Diagnostic principles based on logical, analytical interpretation leading to solving problems
- Emerging bus and coach technologies and the impact they will have on the knowledge and skills technicians will require in the future
- Current Health and Safety requirements and workshop practices
- How to carry out high quality road worthiness inspections specific to their trade
- How the business works from an operational perspective and where their role fits within the business and how they contribute to the success of the organisation
- The requirements of attending and assessing roadside incidents
About You
This is a programme designed for people at every stage in life. It could be your first venture into work after finishing school, or the exciting career move you’ve been looking for. Whatever your motivation, we’re looking for those with an inquisitive mindset who love solving problems and don’t mind getting their hands dirty. You will need to have GCSE Maths and English (or equivalent) at Grade C / Level 3 as a minimum.
As an apprentice with us, the starting salary will be £8.00 per hour in your first year if you are under 18, £10.85 if you are 18 to 20, or £12.71 if you are 21 and over, rising in line with national minimum wage and progression.
Together, we strive to make travelling by bus the best choice for everyone. With our doors open to all, you’ll have the chance to build a fulfilling career with us, one where you can explore your passions, aspirations and realise your full potential. As you progress, you'll have the opportunity to earn a competitive salary, and we'll be there to support you every step of the way. Join us and be at the forefront of revolutionising bus travel. You'll be a vital part of something big – by connecting communities, promoting sustainable travel, and contributing to a better tomorrow. You'll also gain invaluable skills and knowledge that will stay with you for a lifetime.
Apprentice Mechanical - Electrical Bus Technician in Maidstone employer: Arriva UK Bus Ltd
Arriva UK Bus Ltd is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee development and community connection. With full paid training for Trainee Bus Drivers and opportunities for career progression, employees enjoy competitive pay rates, bonuses for weekend and bank holiday shifts, as well as valuable benefits like discounts and free bus travel for their families. Join us in Hinckley to embark on a fulfilling driving career that truly makes a difference.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Apprentice Mechanical - Electrical Bus Technician in Maidstone
✨Get Your Hands Dirty at Engineering Events
Join local engineering meetups or industry conferences related to mechanical engineering. Whether it's a workshop or a career fair, these events are goldmines for networking and getting a foot in the door. Plus, you can showcase your passion and enthusiasm directly to potential employers like Arriva UK Bus Ltd.
✨Connect with Professors & Peers
Tap into your university’s resources—professors often have connections in the industry. Don’t be shy to ask about potential openings or recommendations. Your classmates might also know of companies hiring. Often, it’s who you know that gets you in front of the right people!
✨Highlight Your Projects and Practical Experience
When you land those interviews, make sure to talk about your hands-on projects or internships. Whether it's a design project or hands-on experience with CAD software, specific examples will make you stand out. Companies like Arriva UK Bus Ltd love to hear about practical applications of your skills.
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
Check out the careers page of Arriva UK Bus Ltd and apply directly through there. It shows initiative and interest in their specific values. Plus, you'll often find openings that aren't advertised on job boards, giving you a better chance to land that full-time gig!
We think you need these skills to ace Apprentice Mechanical - Electrical Bus Technician in Maidstone
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Expertise:In mechanical engineering, it’s vital to highlight your technical skills and projects. Make sure to include relevant software proficiency (like CAD tools) in your CV. If you've worked on specific engineering projects, detail your key contributions — we want to see how you’ve applied your skills in a practical setting!
Focus on Problem-Solving Examples:Employers in mechanical engineering love to see how you handle challenges. Use your cover letter to share specific instances where you’ve solved a complex problem or improved a design. This will show us you're not just knowledgeable but also capable of applying that knowledge effectively.
Highlight Relevant Certifications:Include any relevant certifications or training that can set you apart from the competition. Whether it's coursework from your degree, a recognised certification, or extra training in new technologies, we love to see candidates who continuously improve their skill set. This tells us you're serious about your career in engineering!
Tailor Your CV for the Role:Don’t forget to customise your CV for Arriva UK Bus Ltd and the Apprentice Mechanical - Electrical Bus Technician role specifically. Pull examples from your experience that align with the job description — it shows us you've done your research and are genuinely interested in becoming part of the team. We recommend applying through our website to ensure your application gets to the right people!
How to prepare for a job interview at Arriva UK Bus Ltd
✨Brush Up on Your CAD Skills
Since mechanical engineering often involves design processes, be ready to showcase your proficiency in CAD software like SolidWorks or AutoCAD. Bring along a digital portfolio or even some sketches that demonstrate your design capabilities — it’s a great way to show what you can bring to the table at Arriva UK Bus Ltd.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions that test your understanding of engineering principles and problem-solving skills. You might get hypothetical scenarios where you need to design a component or troubleshoot a mechanical system. Practising these types of questions will give you the confidence to tackle whatever comes your way!
✨Show Your Team Spirit
As a full-time mechanical engineer, collaboration is key! Be ready to share examples of past team projects or any experiences where you contributed to solving a complex problem with others. Demonstrating your ability to work in a team will resonate well with the interviewers at Arriva UK Bus Ltd.
✨Discuss Your Future Goals
Since this is a full-time position, your long-term vision is important. Be open about your career aspirations, whether it’s mastering a specific tool or leading projects. This shows that you're committed not just to learning but also to growing with Arriva UK Bus Ltd, making you a more appealing candidate.
