At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare buses for painting and ensure they are road-ready.
- Company: FirstGroup plc, a leading transport provider in the UK and Ireland.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, full training, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with opportunities for growth.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make a visible impact on public transport.
- Qualifications: Willingness to learn; previous experience is a plus but not required.
About Us
FirstGroup plc is a leading provider of transport services in the UK and Ireland, and a member of the FTSE 250. Our 30,000 colleagues work across the UK to provide easy and convenient mobility, improving quality of life by connecting people and communities.
Position: Bus Paint Prepper
Location: First Bus Adderley Green, Dividy Road, Stoke-on-Trent ST3 5YY
Contracted Hours: 39 hours per week (full time & permanent)
Working Hours: Monday-Friday 7:30am-3:30pm
Pay Rate: £13.45 per hour - overtime paid at time and a half
About the Role
As a Bus Paint Prepper, you'll play a vital role in making sure our vehicles are ready to hit the road each day at our busy Adderley Green Depot. This is a busy and active role, often working at height, within the engineering workshop. You will prepare vehicles for painting and repair - full training is provided for this role for candidates with a willingness to learn and develop.
Key Responsibilities
- To carry out the painting preparation of minor repairs
- To ensure the work area/spray shop is kept clean and tidy
- To prepare surfaces for painting using glass paper, masking tape, electric and pneumatic sanders
- Filling minor repairs using different techniques in readiness for paint
- To carry out paint mixing, surface preparation and tool cleaning entailing the use of/mixing of chemicals
- To carry out sign writing or other artwork on different vehicle types
- Removal of decals/stickers in readiness for paint prep
- Finishing a vehicle that has been sprayed – fitting small decals and legal lettering
About You
Any previous paint preparation experience is beneficial, however full training is provided for this role. Do you have a willingness to learn and develop within your job role? Are you comfortable working at heights in a busy and fast paced workshop environment?
Equal Opportunities
We aspire to be a diverse and inclusive employer because we believe that diversity brings benefits for our customers, communities and our people. Valuing our differences and drawing on our collective knowledge and experience helps us develop new services, open up new markets and broaden our customer base. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome everyone regardless of social background, gender or gender reassignment, pregnancy or maternity, marriage or civil partnership status, race, religious beliefs, disability, sexual orientation, sex or age.
Your Journey Starts here!
Company Overview
FirstGroup is a leading private sector provider of public transport. We provide easy and convenient mobility, improving quality of life by connecting people and communities. Our services are a vital part of society – transporting customers for business, education, health, social and leisure purposes. We create solutions that reduce complexity, making travel smoother and life easier, and work hard to reduce our impact on the environment, introducing cleaner and more responsible methods of transport. Our businesses are at the heart of our communities, and the essential services we provide are critical to delivering wider economic, social, and environmental goals.
Bus Paint Prepper employer: First Potteries Ltd
FirstGroup plc is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture where employees are valued and encouraged to grow. As a Bus Paint Prepper at our Adderley Green Depot in Stoke-on-Trent, you'll benefit from full training, competitive pay, and the opportunity to contribute to essential transport services that connect communities. Join us for a rewarding career where your efforts directly impact the quality of life for many.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Bus Paint Prepper
✨Get Your Hands Dirty
In skilled trades, practical experience is everything. Consider volunteering or doing odd jobs in your area to build up your skills and visibility. Local businesses often appreciate helping hands and it might just lead to a full-time gig!
✨Join Trade Associations
Look into joining organisations specific to your trade (like the National Federation of Builders or similar). They often have job boards, networking events, and apprenticeships that can put you in touch with employers who value skilled workers. Plus, being part of these communities adds credibility to your profiles!
✨Showcase Your Work Online
Craft a portfolio that highlights your craftsmanship—before and after photos, project descriptions, and client testimonials are all golden! Share this on platforms that cater to skilled trades, like Instagram or dedicated forums, to attract potential employers looking for your skillset.
✨Apply Directly and Follow Up
Don’t just rely on job boards—visit local businesses, introduce yourself, and drop off your CV. Building rapport face-to-face can work wonders in the skilled trades sector. And remember, following up after applying through our website shows dedication; it might just give you an edge over other candidates!
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Skills with Certificates:In the skilled trades world, your practical skills and certifications are key! Make sure you highlight any relevant qualifications or training you've completed. If you’ve got a trade-specific certificate, like an NVQ or City & Guilds, include it in your CV to catch First Potteries Ltd's eye.
Tailor Your CV to the Job:Don’t just send out a generic CV; tailor it specifically for the skilled trades role at First Potteries Ltd. Emphasise your hands-on experience, the tools and techniques you’re proficient in, and any notifiable compliance standards you've met. This shows that you’ve put thought into your application.
Highlight Your Projects or Achievements:Don’t forget to showcase any significant projects or achievements in your cover letter. Whether it’s completing a complex installation or meeting deadlines on a large project, these details make a big difference. They help paint a picture of your expertise and dedication!
Keep It Concise and Relevant:When applying for a full-time role in skilled trades, keep your writing to the point. Hiring managers appreciate clear, concise applications. Focus on relevant experiences and skills, and avoid fluff. Remember, they’re looking for someone who can get the job done—so show them you can!
How to prepare for a job interview at First Potteries Ltd
✨Master the Hands-On Skills
In skilled trades, practical skills matter a ton. Be ready to showcase your hands-on abilities during the interview—whether it's through a practical test or a demonstration of your craftsmanship. Bring your best examples of past projects to discuss them in detail!
✨Know Your Tools Like the Back of Your Hand
Employers in the skilled trades often want to hear about your proficiency with specific tools and equipment. Brush up on the tools relevant to your field and be prepared to discuss your experiences using them. This shows you’re not just experienced but also safe and competent.
✨Be Ready to Talk About Safety Practices
Safety is paramount in skilled trades. Be prepared to discuss your knowledge of safety regulations and how you've implemented them in previous roles. This will demonstrate your commitment to a safe working environment—a quality that employers highly value.
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
When tackling skilled trade roles, employers want to know about your ability to think on your feet. Be ready with examples of how you've solved unexpected problems on the job. This will illustrate your adaptability and resourcefulness, key traits for a full-time position at First Potteries Ltd.
