Bus company trentbarton says it is looking for as many new engineering apprentices as it can attract.
The Derbyshire-based bus operator normally takes on around five apprentices each year, but this year said there was no limit on the number it hopes to take, and is inviting potential applicants to an open day at its Langley Mill site in Derbyshire, on Saturday, May 20.
Group engineering director John Bickerton 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 whilst being paid. Many senior people in the bus industry started out as engineering apprentices, so they can all aim high.
“The open day will give young people a feel of what a career with trentbarton may look like, whilst getting them involved in some of the work they may be doing if they do join us.”
Anyone who thinks they might enjoy earning whilst learning a valuable trade and gaining an industry-recognised qualification is welcome to come along on May 20 between 11am and 3pm. They must pre-register at trentbarton.co.uk/apprenticeshipday.
Everyone attending will take part in three tasks led by trentbarton engineers and will get the chance to drive a bus. The visits will finish with a Q&A session for the potential apprentices and any parents or carers with them.
Current apprentice technician Vince Hourd started his apprenticeship in 2019 after applying via Facebook and is just months away from completing his qualification.
Vince, 20, who lives in Derby, 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.”
Lucy Coope, 18 and from Derby was trentbarton’s first female apprentice technician in 2022. 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.”
