At a Glance
- Tasks: Gain hands-on experience maintaining and repairing modern buses with skilled engineers.
- Company: Join Preston Bus Limited, a key player in public transport with over a century of history.
- Benefits: Earn while you learn with a fully funded apprenticeship and paid college time.
- Other info: Opportunities for permanent roles and career progression in a dynamic industry.
- Why this job: Kickstart your engineering career in a supportive environment with real responsibilities.
- Qualifications: Curiosity, practical skills, and GCSEs in Maths & English (or working towards them).
The predicted salary is between 17865 - 21835 £ per year.
A great place to start your engineering career. Preston Bus is the main bus operator for Preston and surrounding parts of Lancashire, providing essential transport for people getting to work, education and healthcare every day. With a proud history stretching back over a century, we combine strong local roots with the stability of being part of the Rotala Group, a national public transport operator. For our apprentices, that means real responsibility, real support, and real career opportunities.
From early‑morning school journeys to busy commuter routes, we operate a wide range of bus services across the region. Behind every reliable bus is a team of skilled engineers — and that’s where our apprentices come in.
An apprenticeship at Preston Bus Limited isn’t about watching from the sidelines. From day one, you’ll be:
- Supported by experienced mentors and qualified engineers
- Gaining hands‑on experience with modern buses, tools and technology
- Working towards recognised engineering qualifications
- Building skills that are in demand across the transport industry
We invest heavily in training and development, because today’s apprentices are tomorrow’s engineers. Earn while you learn – Power the future of public transport. Have you got hands that love fixing things? Curious about how larger vehicles work? Our Engineering Apprenticeship puts you at the heart of the bus industry — keeping the region moving while building a career that goes places.
What you’ll be doing:
- Working alongside experienced engineers in our depots
- Learning how to maintain, repair and inspect buses (diesel, hybrid & electric)
- Using real tools on real vehicles — not just textbooks
- Gaining nationally recognised engineering qualifications
Our fleet includes modern diesel, low‑emission and increasingly electric vehicles, meaning apprentices gain experience with evolving technology and future‑ready engineering skills. You’ll learn about:
- Vehicle inspection and servicing
- Mechanical and electrical systems
- Safety, diagnostics and fault‑finding
- Preventative maintenance and compliance
All while helping keep thousands of passengers moving safely every day.
We know that starting work can feel like a big step. That’s why we focus on:
- Clear training plans and structured learning
- Support at college and in the workplace
- Opportunities to progress into permanent engineering roles
Many of our engineers and managers started their careers as apprentices themselves.
What you’ll get:
- A fully funded apprenticeship with paid college time
- Hands‑on training with modern fleet technology
We’re looking for people who:
- Are curious, practical and keen to learn
- Enjoy problem‑solving and working as part of a team
- Have GCSEs (or equivalent) in Maths & English (or are working towards them)
- Want a long‑term career — not just a job
No experience? No problem. We’ll teach you everything you need to know.
Ready to get started? Preston Depot - 221 Deepdale Road, Preston, PR1 6NY
Engineering Apprentices – Preston Bus Limited employer: Preston Bus Limited
Preston Bus Limited is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that values quality workmanship and employee development. With competitive pay rates and opportunities for overtime, technicians can enhance their skills while working on a diverse fleet of HGVs in a dynamic environment. The company prioritises safety and compliance, making it a rewarding place for those passionate about the transport industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Engineering Apprentices – Preston Bus Limited
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time Engineering Apprentices – Preston Bus Limited role you’re after at Preston Bus Limited.
✨Show Off Your Projects!
Don’t be shy about showcasing your engineering projects. Whether it’s a funky app, a mechanical design, or a complex algorithm, having a solid portfolio on platforms like GitHub can really make you stand out. Plus, it gives potential employers at Preston Bus Limited a taste of what you can bring to the table!
✨Engage with Online Communities
Dive into engineering forums and online communities, like Reddit or specific engineering Discord channels. Sharing your insights, asking questions, and being active can help you build connections that might lead to job opportunities at Preston Bus Limited.
✨Apply Through Company Websites
When you spot a role like Engineering Apprentices – Preston Bus Limited at Preston Bus Limited, apply directly through their website. Often, this can show your genuine interest in the company and you might just get noticed quicker than via typical job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace Engineering Apprentices – Preston Bus Limited
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Engineering Apprentices – Preston Bus Limited, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at Preston Bus Limited a clear picture of the value you can bring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to Preston Bus Limited specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Preston Bus Limited
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with Preston Bus Limited, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like Preston Bus Limited want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.
