At a Glance
- Tasks: Join Lothian Buses as an apprentice and gain hands-on experience in bus and coach engineering.
- Company: Lothian Buses, the largest municipal bus company in the UK, with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Earn while you learn, gain a recognised qualification, and enjoy career growth opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with mentorship from experienced technicians and a pathway to exciting careers.
- Why this job: Be part of a team shaping the future of sustainable transport in Edinburgh.
- Qualifications: Open to anyone aged 16+, with a passion for learning and basic literacy and numeracy skills.
The predicted salary is between 800 - 1400 £ per month.
Lothian Buses, the largest municipal bus company in the UK, is looking for apprentices to join its award-winning engineering team! The apprenticeship programme is open to anyone with an interest in starting a career and gaining a recognised qualification in the motor industry.
At Lothian, a huge part of its Modern Apprenticeship Programme focuses on practical, hands-on learning in a garage environment, allowing trainees to gain key skills from colleagues and mentors. With the help of GTG Training, the three-year training course offers not only a Scottish Vocational Qualification but also technical support from manufacturing specialists.
Join today and learn while you earn working for Lothian, where you will be part of a fantastic team who always work together to deliver a world-class service across Scotland’s capital city.
As the main bus operator across Edinburgh and the Lothians, Lothian is dedicated to delivering an outstanding customer experience offering a city-wide network 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Operating for over 100 years, Lothian is now one of the region’s largest employers with over 2,600 colleagues. Lothian is committed to delivering safe, reliable and clean vehicles to meet its customers’ needs and expectations.
Lothian’s fleet replacement strategy was built on embracing new vehicle technology, which coupled with its decarbonisation strategy, will shape how they work towards achieving net zero. As part of this transition, Lothian is investing heavily in upskilling its engineering team, ensuring the training provided equips employees with the core skills required to not only maintain the current technology on offer but prepare them for the new and advancing technologies of the future.
This is a really exciting time to join the industry as Lothian takes these next steps towards vehicle sustainability. Apprentices will have the opportunity to be fully educated on current and new maintenance procedures, including diagnostics, health and safety requirements and the tools needed to keep diesel and electric vehicles serviced and maintained.
Lothian’s apprenticeship programme serves as a spring-board to many opportunities within the engineering industry and beyond. Previous Lothian apprentices have gone on to enjoy long, successful careers within the business, with many taking on supervisory and managerial roles.
What will I learn?
- Heavy Goods & Public Service Vehicle Maintenance and Repair SCQF Level 7
- Practical hands-on learning in a garage environment working on new and evolving technology
- Gain technical skills to help maintain a fast-advancing fleet
- Carrying out inspections, servicing and MOT’s on a range of vehicle types
- Diagnosing and repairing electrical and mechanical faults in both bus and coach systems and components
- Carrying out scheduled electrical and mechanical maintenance on buses and coaches
- Contributing to safe working practices in Bus/Coach Engineering and Maintenance
- Using the latest workshop materials and equipment
- Vehicle Body Repair and Alignment SCQF Level 6
- Practical hands-on learning in a garage environment working on new and evolving technology
- Gain technical skills to help maintain a fast-advancing fleet
- Carrying out inspections, servicing and MOT’s on a range of vehicle types
- Carrying out various aspects of coachbuilding repair including welding, fabricating panels, moulding, preparation and painting.
- Carrying out accident damage repairs
- Carrying out repairs found on inspections and driver reports
- Contributing to safe working practices in Bus/Coach Engineering and Maintenance
- Using the latest workshop materials and equipment
What might a typical day in this job look like?
Much of the Apprenticeship is undertaken in one of Lothian’s main garages, where you will gain vital hands-on practical experience assisted by one of our technicians. You will develop good working relationships with peers in the workshop, as well as with external professional suppliers and contractors, all whilst contributing and learning health and safety requirements.
A typical day could involve anything from carrying out routine service and maintenance work, diagnosing and repairing faults reported by our operations team, repairing accident damage, carrying out safety and MOT inspections, the removal and replacement of major components, or stripping down and overhauling an engine. Regular assessments are carried out by GTG in the workshop and at their training facilities in Newbridge to ensure that you have the required skills and understanding to complete the varying elements of your apprenticeship.
What qualifications or qualities are required?
There is no age limit on our apprentice programme; we welcome everyone from age 16 onwards. We look for candidates to be reliable and show a keen enthusiasm towards learning throughout the apprenticeship, and beyond. You must be literate and numerate, whilst achieving a minimum National 4/Standard Grade or above in Maths and English, alongside a Science or Technical subject or equivalent.
Lothian Buses Apprentice Bus and Coach Engineer employer: GTG Training Limited
Lothian Buses is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic apprenticeship programme that combines hands-on learning with formal qualifications in a supportive workshop environment. With a strong commitment to employee development and sustainability, apprentices will gain invaluable skills while working alongside experienced mentors in Edinburgh, a city renowned for its vibrant culture and community spirit. Join Lothian Buses and embark on a rewarding career path within a company that values teamwork, innovation, and the future of transport.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lothian Buses Apprentice Bus and Coach Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Lothian Buses and their values. When you walk into that workshop, show them you’re not just another applicant but someone who genuinely cares about their mission and is excited to be part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current apprentices or employees on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have. This can give you insider knowledge and make you stand out during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Before your interview, run through common questions and answers with a friend or family member. The more comfortable you are talking about your skills and enthusiasm for engineering, the better you'll perform.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining Lothian Buses and ready to kickstart your career in engineering.
We think you need these skills to ace Lothian Buses Apprentice Bus and Coach Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let us see your enthusiasm for the engineering field! Share any relevant experiences or projects that sparked your interest in buses and coaches. We love to see candidates who are genuinely excited about joining our team.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the apprenticeship role. Highlight any skills or experiences that relate directly to bus and coach engineering. This helps us see how you fit into our award-winning team at Lothian Buses.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to understand your qualifications and motivations.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the information you need about the apprenticeship programme right there.
How to prepare for a job interview at GTG Training Limited
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the basics of bus and coach engineering. Brush up on key concepts like maintenance procedures, diagnostics, and the latest technologies in the industry. This will show your genuine interest and help you answer technical questions confidently.
✨Show Enthusiasm for Learning
Lothian Buses is looking for candidates who are eager to learn. Be prepared to discuss why you want to pursue an apprenticeship in this field and how you plan to grow your skills. Share any relevant experiences or projects that demonstrate your passion for engineering.
✨Ask Smart Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask insightful questions about the apprenticeship programme. Inquire about the types of projects you might work on or how the training will prepare you for future technologies. This shows that you’re engaged and thinking ahead.
✨Be Yourself
While it’s important to be professional, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. Lothian values teamwork and collaboration, so showing your ability to connect with others can set you apart. Just be genuine and let them see the real you!
