Bus and Coach Engineering Technician Apprenticeship

Summary

First Bus offers a paid, hands-on route into engineering where you can earn while you learn and build a long-term career with a major UK transport company. You don’t need prior experience and you’ll receive full training and support to become a qualified Mechanical / Electrical Engineer.

Wage

Competitive

Competitive wage offered

First Bus businesses pay the Real Living Wage, which is currently £13.45 per hour and will be reviewed throughout the programme

Training course

Bus and coach engineering technician (level 3)

Hours

Typically, Monday - Friday 9.00am - 5.00pm. Shifts may be different depending on company needs.

40 hours a week

Start date

Monday 12 October 2026

Duration

3 years

Positions available

1

Work

Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.

What you'll do at work

• Learn to maintain and repair buses and coaches to keep them safe and operational
• Identify and diagnose mechanical and electrical faults
• Carry out routine servicing and maintenance tasks
• Develop skills in vehicle inspections and safety checks
• Support bodywork and interior repairs
• Work with modern and emerging vehicle technologies
• Gain hands-on experience in a bus depot or engineering workshop
• Attend college training blocks to build technical knowledge
• Work alongside and learn from a qualified mentor engineer
• Apply practical problem-solving skills in real engineering situations

Where you'll work

First Bus Colchester
Colchester
CO2 8HT

Training

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

Training provider

REASEHEATH COLLEGE

Training course

Bus and coach engineering technician (level 3)

What you'll learn

• Carry out the foundation tasks common to all procedures involving basic mechanical and electrical and coachbuilder procedures including: the safe use of hand tools and workshop equipment; safe use of power tools and equipment; the use of mechanical and electronic measuring equipment; test equipment and gauges; basic workshop practices and procedures relating to working on vehicles and components; assembly processes for mechanical units, electrical circuits and coachbuilding, including various fixing and joining methods.
• Inspect and prepare a vehicle to the required company and DVSA standards to successfully pass the elements of mandated, pre-arranged vehicle tests specific to their trade
• 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 within chosen trade
• 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
• Carry out routine mechanical servicing, planned preventative maintenance and “health checks
• Carry out routine servicing
• Inspect, diagnose and repair braking systems
• Inspect, diagnose and repair steering systems
• Inspect, diagnose and repair suspension systems
• Inspect, diagnose and repair engine, fuel coolant and exhaust systems
• Inspect, diagnose and repair transmission and retarder systems
• Carry out routine electrical servicing and planned maintenance . Inspect, diagnose and repair electrical circuits and wiring
• 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
• Carry out routine safety inspections
• Manufacture, repair and fit body parts, panels and body fixings access panels
• Manufacture, repair and fit body structural components
• Undertake repairs or complete fabrication processes using Gas, Mig or Tig welding
• Carry out Fibre Glass or GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastics) repairs to body components
• Repair interior trim materials and components
• Remove and replace bonded and gasket glazing
• Carry out routine mechanical and electrical servicing, planned preventative maintenance and “ health checks”
• Inspect, diagnose and repair mechanical systems, engine, fuel, coolant and transmission systems
• Inspect, diagnose and repair electrical systems, electrical circuits, electrical units and components
• Inspect, diagnose and repair on board auxiliary systems, battery charging and electronic drive systems
• Use diagnostic equipment and software to locate, diagnose and rectify faults on mechanical and electrical components

Training schedule

• Bus and Coach Engineering Technician Level 3
• You will attend college over four 3-week blocks each year, during which we will pay for your travel, food and accommodation
• Training will take place at our state-of-the-art Engineering School, at Reaseheath College

Requirements

Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.

Skills

• Communication skills
• Problem solving skills
• Logical
• Physical fitness
• Clean UK Drivers License