At a Glance
- Tasks: Learn to maintain buses and coaches, diagnosing mechanical and electrical faults.
- Company: Join First Bus, a leading FTSE 250 company with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Earn £13.45 per hour, plus paid college training and support.
- Other info: Enjoy hands-on training with a mentor and excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Kickstart your engineering career while working with new technologies.
- Qualifications: No prior experience needed; just a passion for problem-solving.
The predicted salary is between 13.45 - 13.45 £ per hour.
About our Engineering Apprenticeship Programme
Our Engineering Apprenticeship is about keeping the nation moving. You will learn and develop the skills needed to maintain our fleet of buses and coaches, identifying and diagnosing mechanical and electrical faults to keep our vehicles safely on the road, playing a key part in First Bus Engineering.
During your apprenticeship you will earn-as-you-learn, gaining the hands-on experience you need to become a Mechanical Engineer at one of our bus depots or coaching businesses while being paid a Real Living Wage of £13.45 per hour. You don't need any previous knowledge of engines, mechanics or electronics. If you are good at practical problem-solving, we can help support and train you to become a qualified engineer.
We will teach you key skills needed in maintenance, fault diagnosis, bodywork and interiors repairs to launch your career as an engineer. This is a great opportunity to work on new and emerging technologies within Bus and Coach. You will benefit from your study at college, as well as having a mentor engineer in work, plus the support of our Early Careers Team. First Bus is a Real Living Wage Employer; as an apprentice, this means you will benefit from a salary that is significantly higher than the Apprentice Minimum Wage.
What will you study?
- You will study the Bus and Coach Engineering Technician Apprenticeship (Level 3) with Reaseheath in Nantwich, Cheshire.
- The qualification takes 3 years to complete, plus an assessment period.
- You will attend 4 x 3-week blocks at college every academic year, with all costs, accommodation and transport paid for by us; you’ll also receive your normal salary whilst at college.
- Depending on your qualifications, you might also need to study Maths and/or English functional skills.
Apply if you...
- Have an interest in building a career in engineering, for a market leading, FTSE 250 company.
- Are a strong problem solver, who is keen to develop this further and apply it in their working life.
- Have lived in the UK/EEA for the past 3 years and have indefinite leave to remain in the UK (this is an apprenticeship requirement).
- Can commit to the block weeks at college.
Apprentice Engineer - Halifax employer: FirstGroup Internal
FirstGroup Internal is an excellent employer that values its employees by fostering a supportive work culture and providing opportunities for professional growth within the HR field. Located in the UK, we offer competitive benefits and a collaborative environment where your contributions are recognised and appreciated, making it a rewarding place to advance your career in HR operations.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Apprentice Engineer - Halifax
✨Get Hands-On in the Field
Mechanical engineering is all about practical skills, so dive into local workshops or maker spaces. Attending hands-on events can help you network with professionals who might know about apprenticeship opportunities at companies like FirstGroup Internal.
✨Utilise Engineering Competitions
Join engineering competitions or clubs at your university or in your community. These not only look great on your CV but can also connect you with companies looking to recruit apprentices, including FirstGroup Internal.
✨Tap into University Career Services
If you're currently studying, make sure to hit up your university's career services. They often have connections with firms like FirstGroup Internal who are on the lookout for eager apprentices. Take full advantage of their resources!
✨Show Off Your Projects
Create a portfolio showcasing any projects you've worked on, whether for school or personal interest. A well-curated portfolio can impress potential employers like FirstGroup Internal when you're stepping into the apprenticeship scene.
We think you need these skills to ace Apprentice Engineer - Halifax
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Relevant Skills:When applying for a mechanical engineering apprenticeship, highlight any relevant skills or hands-on experience you've got. If you've worked on projects related to design, CAD software, or any hands-on mechanical work, make sure to include that to show you're ready for the practical side of things!
Dive into Your Education:Apprenticeships value your learning potential, so don’t forget to mention your academic achievements, specifically in STEM subjects. Talk about any courses or certifications related to mechanical engineering you've taken and how they inspire you to grow in this field.
Personalise Your Cover Letter:This isn’t just any application—you want to grab attention! In your cover letter, weave in your passion for mechanical engineering. Share why you’re excited about potentially working with FirstGroup Internal and how this apprenticeship aligns with your career goals. Let your enthusiasm shine through!
Highlight Teamwork & Problem-Solving:Mechanical engineering is all about collaboration and critical thinking. Include examples in your CV or cover letter where you’ve tackled a problem as a team, or solved a challenge in a project. This shows recruiters at FirstGroup Internal that you're ready to contribute positively from day one.
How to prepare for a job interview at FirstGroup Internal
✨Show Off Your Practical Skills
As this is an apprenticeship in mechanical engineering, make sure you highlight any hands-on experience you have. Bring along examples of projects or tasks you've done, whether it's in school or outside. If you've got a portfolio of work or even some photos of your projects, that can really set you apart!
✨Know Your Tools and Techniques
Brush up on the specific tools and techniques commonly used in mechanical engineering. Be prepared to discuss software like CAD (Computer-Aided Design) or simulation tools, as these might come up during technical questions. Understanding of basic engineering principles will also give you a solid foundation to impress your interviewers at FirstGroup Internal.
✨Demonstrate Your Eagerness to Learn
Apprenticeships are all about learning on the job. So, be ready to articulate why you want to pursue this path at FirstGroup Internal. Share any relevant coursework or experiences that piqued your interest in mechanical engineering, and let your enthusiasm shine through!
✨Practice Problem-Solving on the Spot
You may face some situational or problem-solving questions during your interview, especially practical ones that mimic real-world engineering challenges. Practise how you'd approach such problems – think through your reasoning and how you would apply your knowledge practically. This shows you can think on your feet, which is key in mechanical engineering!
