Bus firm to take on uncapped number of apprentices

Bus company trentbarton has announced that for the first time it will be offering an uncapped number of new engineering apprenticeships.

Normally, the bus operator takes on around five apprentices each year, but this year there is no limit on the number.

If suitable applicants apply, they will be offered the opportunity to study and work within trentbarton’s engineering teams.

Now, the firm is inviting potential applicants to an open day, which will take place at is Langley Mills site on Saturday 20 May.

John Bickerton, group engineering director at trentbarton, said: “We know there are lots of young people thinking about what they want to do after school or college, and we want to give a great opportunity to as many of them as we possibly can.

“We want the 2023 intake to be the biggest yet and to help them thrive in their new career as they learn the trade while being paid.

“Many senior people in the bus industry started out as engineering apprentices, so they can all aim high.”

Anyone who thinks they might enjoy earning while learning a valuable trade and gaining an industry-recognised qualification is welcome to come along on 20 May between 11am and 3pm.

John said: “The open day will give young people a feel of what a career with trentbarton may look like, while getting them involved in some of the work they may be doing if they do join us.”

Current trentbarton apprentice technician Vince Hourd started his apprenticeship in 2019 after applying via Facebook and is just months away from completing his qualification.

He said: “I like how each day is different and we’ve been learning so many different skills. You also see a lot of former apprentices here who have moved up and done well.

“I would encourage any young people to come along to the open day, where I have been involved in creating one of the tasks they will take on. It’s a great opportunity to see what we do and what they might like to do in the future.”

And it’s not just a role for men – trentbarton took on its first female apprentice technician in 2022 in the form of 18-year-old Lucy Coope.

She said: “As a woman I’m treated equally at the depot. I would encourage other women to consider such a role. It would be great to get more women as technicians into the bus industry.”

To pre-register for the open day visit http://www.trentbarton.co.uk/apprenticeshipday .