Are you wanting to start your career in the Automotive Industry? First Bus London in partnership with S&B Automotive Academy are recruiting Bus & Coach Engineering Apprentices that will study towards the Electrical route and gain exposure by working alongside a highly skilled workforce that is committed to quality.

This is an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic and hardworking person to kickstart their career in the Automotive Industry. 

First Bus London host 10 operational bases, to support the apprentices training, learning and development the apprentices will rotate across a combination of the depots throughout the apprenticeship programme:

• Hounslow (TW3), Hounslow Heath (TW4), Fulwell (TW2), Shepherds Bush (W12), Stamford Brook (W4), Park Royal (NW10), Tolworth (KT5), Edgware (HA8), Harrow (HA1) and Westbourne Park (W9).

This rotation is to develop the apprentices’ electrical skills within different teams and types of operations. To support this, First Bus London provides free travel passes.

What you will do in your working day

The successful applicant will support the maintenance and servicing requirements of the First Bus London fleet of busses while learning and developing their trade to a nationally recognised qualification.

The apprentice will be enrolled onto the Bus & Coach Engineering Technician Apprenticeship and will develop an understanding of the core fundamental understanding of mechanical elements to enable an apprentice to inspect and prepare a vehicle to DVSA standards to successfully achieve the requirements of the End Point Assessment before specialising in the Electrical route.

The successful candidate can expect to carry out the following duties:

Core fundamental duties:

• Carry out common mechanical and electrical workshop tasks, practices and procedures relating to working on vehicles and components including: the safe use of hand tools and power tools, workshop equipment, gauges, measuring and testing equipment.
• Inspect and prepare a vehicle to the required company and DVSA standards.
• Contribute to the maintenance of a safe and efficient workshop and adhere to company and legislative processes.
• Use current and emerging technology to access specific relevant information held within engineering manuals, drawings, and electronic resources.
• Carry out planned preventative maintenance and repairs.
• Remove repair/replace components in line with manufacturers and company procedures.
• Investigate defects reported by drivers and identify the root cause and eliminate recurring defects, relevant to chosen trade.
• Maintain records to company and Operators Licence obligations and regulations.

 Electrical Specific Duties:

• Understand the fundamentals of existing and emerging electrical design and systems.
• Carry out routine electrical servicing and planned maintenance, inspect, diagnose, and repair electrical circuits and wiring.
• Interrogate wiring diagrams. Identify components, current flow, and circuit protection.
• Inspect, diagnose, and repair electrical charging systems and electrical power storage devices and systems.
• Inspect, diagnose, and repair electrical charging systems, battery storage and electrical drive systems.
• Inspect, diagnose, and repair engine, transmission and other vehicle control management systems.
• Inspect, diagnose, and repair on board auxiliary systems.
• Inspect, diagnose and repair electronic, digital and programmable control systems.
• Use diagnostic equipment and software to check Multiplex control systems and rectify component system faults.

 

The training you will be getting

S&B Automotive Academy is a specialist apprenticeship training provider located in Bedminster, Bristol. The apprentice will work in London United's technical workshop to develop their knowledge, skills and behaviours in relation to Bus and Coach Engineering Technician (Electrical Route) Apprenticeship Standard.

• The apprentice will be required to commute to S&B’s Academy to attend 8 weekly training blocks a year throughout the duration of the apprenticeship.
• Apprentices are assigned a workplace mentor and a college development coach who will offer support, advice, and guidance by monitoring progress using S&B’s tailored electronic logbook which both employer and the apprentice can access anytime.
• Apprentices take a Gateway Assessment at the end of every year to progress onto the next phase of training until the completion of the End Point Assessment.

For national apprentices, S&B’s Academy is located a short walk from Bristol Temple Meads Railway Station, and we have partnerships with chain hotels to provide accommodation in a standard double room for single occupancy for the duration of the stay. All costs for travel and accommodation while on a weekly training block at S&B are met by the employer, this includes breakfast and a two-course evening meal. 

To be considered for this apprenticeship you must have GCSEs, Functional Skills or Key Skills at grade C/4 or above in English and maths (or equivalent), predicated grades are accepted, but applicants will need to complete an initial assessment. Relevant work experience or knowledge is beneficial but not essential.

As a result, you will receive the following qualification:

• Level 3 Bus and Coach Engineering Technician (Mechanical/Electrical) Apprenticeship Standard
• Level 2 Functional Skills in maths & English (if required)

 

What to expect at the end of your apprenticeship

• As a company First Bus London are committed to providing development and training opportunities to our employees. An apprenticeship is the grounding for your future development and there are lots of opportunities to develop your career
• At the successful completion of training the intention is for the apprentice to be offered full-time employment as a skilled Bus and Coach Electrical Technician

 Closing Date: Thursday 5th June 2025 

Requirements and prospects

Desired skills and personal qualities

Communication skills, IT skills, Attention to detail, Organisation skills, Customer care skills, Problem solving skills, Presentation skills, administrative skills, Number skills, Analytical skills, Logical, Team working, Initiative, Non-judgemental, Patience, Physical fitness

Qualifications

GCSE or equivalent Maths and English (Grade C/4/FS L2 provide exemptions) Essential

Things to consider

The competition for apprenticeship placements is strong so please ensure your application is tailored to the type of apprenticeship you are applying for, pay attention to presentation, spelling and grammar and include any relevant experience, hobbies/interests, or qualifications.