First Bus Careers

05/05/2026

04/03/2026

Engineering with purpose 👏

This World Engineering Day for Sustainable Development, recognised by UNESCO, we’re recognising the engineers shaping a more sustainable future.

Andy Knowles is a Master Technician at First Bus, supporting six depots across North and West Yorkshire as they transition to electric vehicles. He began his apprenticeship at 16 and now brings more than 20 years of experience to solving complex technical challenges while mentoring the next generation of engineers.

Electric buses require new systems, stricter safety standards and advanced digital diagnostics, yet the principles behind the work remain consistent. Engineering for Andy means staying curious, solving problems and continuing to learn as technology changes.

Living and working in Yorkshire, he sees the impact cleaner vehicles can have on air quality. He wants to play his part in leaving things better for the next generation, including his own children. For Andy, it is about knowing he is shaping something better for the future.

Read Andy’s story: https://news.firstbus.co.uk/opinions/engineering-the-future-meet-the-master-technician-powering-electric-buses-in-yorkshire

03/03/2026

Building future engineers 🚍

At First Bus, we’re proud to continue and grow our support for Scottish Apprenticeship Week, championing the next generation of engineering talent across our business. Investing in young people is not just about building careers. It’s about strengthening the future of sustainable transport in the communities we serve.

In total, we’re supporting 24 engineering apprentices across our sites in Glasgow and Aberdeen in Scotland, with training delivered through our key partner, GTG. Together, we’re equipping apprentices with hands-on skills, technical expertise and the confidence they need to thrive in a modern, evolving engineering environment.

September 2025 marked our biggest intake yet, with 12 new apprentices joining the programme. This milestone reflects our long-term commitment to developing talent and creating meaningful career pathways. We’re excited to watch this group grow, learn and help drive innovation across our fleet for years to come.

Davide shares his experience of joining our First Bus apprenticeships to develop practical skills and learn from experienced professionals. Studying at GTG Glasgow, he is gaining the knowledge and experience needed to step confidently into the workplace.

Our apprenticeships are open to everyone. Whether you're finishing school or looking for a new direction, this could be your next step. Apprenticeships open the door to hands-on experience and real career opportunities in an industry that keeps moving the everyday.

If you’re interested in learning more about apprenticeship opportunities at First Bus, register your interest now: https://yourfirstbuscareer.co.uk/apprenticeships

12/02/2026

Celebrating future talent 🏆

First Bus colleagues won three awards at this year’s Reaseheath Awards, including the Reaseheath College Principles Award.

Kian Nelson, a First Bus Technician apprentice from Bramley received the 'Reaseheath College Principles Award', presented by Mike Gorman, Early Careers & Talent Acquisition Project Lead, and selected personally by the College Principal, Marcus Clinton.

This award recognises outstanding academic achievement, contribution to employer, and commitment to the college’s PRIDE values. This marks the third consecutive year a First Bus apprentice has received this honour, following Hasan Girach in 2024, and Daniel McDill in 2025.

Kian was also awarded 'Transport Engineering Apprentice of the Year'. All three nominations in this category were First Bus apprentices, following successful completion of their programmes and progression into permanent roles. Congratulations also to Kai Peters, from Hilsea and Ben Stone from Weymouth for their nominations.

Ethan Allmark from Adderley Green, was awarded 'Business & Professional Services Apprentice of the Year'. Determined to progress into engineering, Ethan first completed his Stores Apprenticeship. His commitment and professionalism enabled him to move into his current Engineering Apprenticeship at Reaseheath.

“This is a fantastic testament to our commitment to developing future talent and to the dedication of the apprentices involved.” said Mike.

Are you interested in starting an apprenticeship with First Bus? Find out more about our current opportunities and how to apply: https://yourfirstbuscareer.co.uk/en/apprenticeships

12/02/2026

Driving future talent forward ✨

To celebrate T Level Day during National Apprenticeship Week, meet First Bus’s first T Level student, Amana Mahmood.

Amana, a student from Hopwood Hall College, joined the Rochdale depot in March 2025. She became First Bus’s first T Level student and the first placement of its kind across Transport for Greater Manchester’s Bee Network operators.

T Levels are a work-focused qualification designed to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world employment. They combine academic study with practical industry experience and, for Amana, that meant completing 315 hours of work placement at First Bus.

Working two days a week alongside colleagues at the Rochdale depot, Amana made a strong impact. Her projects included supporting the Rochdale Depot 1 Year Anniversary event, engaging with the public at Rochdale Bus Station, and representing First Bus at the Hollingworth Academy Careers Fair.

We’re proud to be part of Amana’s journey and look forward to welcoming more T Level students in the future.

Find out more: https://news.firstbus.co.uk/news/driving-forward-first-t-level-student-completes-her-journey

First ever T Level student successfully completes placement with First Bus on Greater Manchester’s Bee Network

11/02/2026

Apprentices in focus 🙌

At First Bus, our relationship with Reaseheath College continues to grow, shaped by the people coming through it and the teams around them.

This year, we’re proud to see several of our apprentices nominated for awards at Reaseheath College, recognising the progress they’re making and the commitment they’ve shown.

Our apprentices, Kai Peters, Ben Stone, Kian Nelson and Ethan Allmark, have all been nominated for awards at Reaseheath College.

Each nomination reflects the work they’ve put in so far and how they’re developing alongside experienced teams. Working closely with Reaseheath College helps make that possible.

In 2025, we welcomed new engineering apprentices who began their training at our dedicated academy at the college. We’ve also donated First Bus vehicles to support learning on site, helping apprentices move between learning and working with confidence and put new skills into practice as they go.

Training also includes hands-on experience with hybrid and zero-emission vehicles, progressing their development into our engineers of the future.

Taking a moment to recognise apprentices like these matters. It’s about celebrating the people at the heart of the partnership and the progress they’re making, as they build skills and confidence for what comes next.

Find out more: https://www.reaseheath.ac.uk/reaseheath-college-and-first-bus-pioneer-zero-emission-training/

09/02/2026

Apprenticeships now open 👏

At First Bus, National Apprenticeship Week is about people starting out in their careers and discovering where public transport can take them.

We believe apprenticeships give people the chance to learn by being part of how things really work. It’s about seeing how a network runs, how people depend on it, and how your work plays a part in keeping places moving. It’s a way to learn while doing, with time to ask questions and space to build confidence.

Right now, we have 238 First Bus apprentices across engineering and bus driver roles learning in depots and training centres across the UK and Ireland. They’re working with experienced teams, building skills through real work and growing in confidence as they go, supported by people who take the time to share what they know.

Bus transport is moving forward. New vehicles, new technology and new ways of working mean there’s always something new to learn. For apprentices, that brings recognised qualifications, steady experience, and a clear route into long term work in an industry people rely on every day.

If you’re thinking about what comes next, or know someone who might be, an apprenticeship at First Bus could be a good place to start.

Register your interest on the First Bus Careers website and see where an apprenticeship could take you: https://yourfirstbuscareer.co.uk/en/apprenticeships

Tag someone who would be great for this.

23/01/2026

Charging up for tomorrow ⚡

As the day winds down, the depot comes to life again. Electric buses are plugged in and prepared for tomorrow’s journeys.

It’s quiet, focused work that keeps everything moving and shows how every role helps build what comes next.

19/01/2026

Building the future of buses 👋

Meet Charlotte, our Operations Manager in . She joined First Bus as a graduate and went on to work on the electric vehicle rollout at the depot, gaining experience across operations, driver training and day-to-day service delivery.

Charlotte says, “If you’re thinking about applying, you don’t need to have all the answers. Working on the EV rollout helped me learn fast, take responsibility early, and build confidence by doing real work with supportive teams. It’s a place where you can grow if you’re willing to get stuck in.”

It’s a career path that gives you hands-on experience with electric vehicles, exposure to real projects and the chance to develop quickly. If you’re ambitious and want to build a future in transport, this could be for you.

Discover more: https://www.yourfirstbuscareer.co.uk

16/01/2026

Teamwork in motion 🤝

At First Bus, it takes a team to keep everything running.

Keeping buses ready doesn’t happen by chance.It happens because of the people behind the scenes who make it possible.

In the bus wash bay, teams work through all kinds of weather to make sure every bus is clean, safe and set for the day ahead. It’s hands-on, steady work and it matters more than most people realise.

If you like practical work that people depend on, this could be for you.

Find out more: www.firstbuscareers.co.uk