We’re First Bus, part of FirstGroup

Join our Early Career programmes and watch your career take off

We’re First Bus, a business on a transformation journey to make us the first choice for travel and zero emissions transport. As cities and travel change, we are planning new solutions to meet these challenges, with a plan to be fully electric across the fleet by 2035.

First Bus is a launch pad for amazing careers. Whether you are looking for an Apprentice programme that will lead to qualifications in the automotive technologies of the future, or a graduate position where you will have a compete view of our operations and ambitions, you’re first step is with First Bus.

Register your interest for Early Careers opportunities

Not You?

We keep the information that you have provided us for the purpose of sending you career information you are likely to be interested in. By submitting your email address you confirm that you agree to this purpose and our privacy & terms. You can unsubscribe at any time should you wish to stop receiving information from us. 

Thank you for submitting your details, we'll be in touch when our campaign opens!

Graduates

On a First Bus graduate programme you’ll have a chance to make a real difference. Whether you want to work within the fast-paced operational depot, in the ever-changing commercial environment, or to gain experience supporting the development of our transformational business strategy, you’ll be learning something brand new every day.

We offer great opportunities for graduates with a choice of options across our operating areas, with a range of programmes to choose from.  All our programmes are 2-years in duration and right from the start you will be provided with the support to gain hands-on experience, training, and professional development as you progress through the different rotations.

Face, Happy, Head, Person, Smile, Female, Girl, Teen, Photography, Portrait

Apprentices

Our apprentices develop the skills, knowledge and behaviours to fulfil their role and many continue onto senior positions within the business. The apprenticeship is just the start as you can grow your career and get a recognised qualification within the dynamic transport industry. We have four Apprentice programmes:

  • Level 2 Trade Supply (1 year in duration)

  • Level 3 Mechanical/ Electrical (3 years in duration)

  • Bus and Coach Engineering Technician Level 3 in England/Wales or Bus and Coach Engineering and Maintenance in Scotland

  • Level 2 Passenger Transport Driver, Bus Coach and Tram (1-year in duration)

Face, Happy, Head, Person, Smile, Adult, Male, Man, Laughing, Coat

Frequently Asked Questions

First Bus is a real living wage employer: Engineering Apprentices are paid weekly - your hourly rate will increase to £10 per hour effective 1st October 2024, and £12 per hour effective 1st April 2025. Please see individual role advertisements for local rates to Bus Driver Apprentices.

An apprenticeship is a great way to learn a new skill, gain valuable experience and earn a wage. Alongside on-the-job training, apprentices spend at least 20% of their working hours completing learning with a college which leads to a nationally recognised qualification.  

An apprenticeship includes:  

  • Paid employment  
  • Hand-on practical experience 
  • At least 20% off-the-job training with a college/ training provider 
  • Formal assessment which successful completion leads to a recognised qualification 

To find out more about apprenticeships, click here 

We have 3 apprenticeships available across First Bus: 

  • Level 2 Trade Supply (1 year in duration) to find out more, click here. Trade Supplier Level 2 
  • Level 3 Mechanical/ Electrical (3 years in duration) to find out more, click here. Bus and Coach Engineering Technician Level 3 in England/Wales or Bus and Coach Engineering and Maintenance in Scotland 
  • Level 2 Passenger Transport Driver, Bus Coach and Tram (1-year in duration) to find out more, click here 

  • Evidence of predicted or achieved Level 4 (or equivalent) at Maths and English GCSE or Functional Skills Level 2  
  • You will need to have lived in the UK/EEA for at least 3 years prior to starting in August 2024 
  • Good communication, problem solving and listening skills 
  • A passion for engineering or for driving buses 
  • Right to work in the UK for the duration of your apprenticeship

  • Level 2 Trade Supply and Bus Driver Apprenticeship is 1 year in length, with End Point Assessment being another 3-6 months
  • Level 3 Mechanical/ Electrical is 3 years in length, with End Point Assessment being another 3- 6 months

For our Engineering Apprenticeships we only have one application window and one start date each calendar year. The application window opens on 29th April 2024 and closes on 17th May 2024. The start date will be 27th August 2024.   


For our Driver apprenticeships we are hiring regularly, check out our careers site for vacancies in your area.

First Bus will fund your apprenticeship from our apprenticeship levy pot, so you as an individual will pick up none of the costs. 

For Engineering Apprentices we work with Reaseheath College in Nantwich, Cheshire for England and Wales and GTG for Scotland. 

For Driver apprentices we work with Realise Learning across our sites in the UK.

Our apprentices develop the skills, knowledge and behaviours to fulfil their role and many continue onto senior positions within the business. The apprenticeship is just the start as you can grow your career and get a recognised qualification within the dynamic transport industry.