Bus & Coach Technician Apprentice

At Arriva, our Engineering Teams keep our buses moving and the communities we serve connected. Whether that's getting children to school or commuters to work. As an Apprentice Bus Technician, you will be trained to inspect, diagnose, repair and test equipment and systems on buses from different manufacturers. The work ranges from performing simple tasks, like replacing a part to solving complex faults often using diagnostic equipment.

The tasks faced by a technician are constantly changing as vehicles become more complex with the introduction of new technologies and differing fuel types. At Arriva, you will have the opportunity to develop your skills and experience across a range of vehicles.

You will be based at our Maidstone depot, working alongside an experienced team who will support and mentor you along the way.

This 3-year programme is working towards a Bus and Coach Technician Level 3 qualification with a specialism in Mech/Elec (mechanical / electrical). The course runs with 5-day training blocks every 6 weeks which take place at our partner’s state‑of‑the‑art workshop in Wolverhampton. The course will give you skills and experience to give you the required level of competence to become a skilled Bus Engineer, including:

• How to inspect, diagnose and record defects to the applicable standard
• Diagnostic principles based on logical, analytical interpretation leading to solving problems
• Emerging bus and coach technologies and the impact they will have on the knowledge and skills technicians will require in the future
• Current Health and Safety requirements and workshop practices
• How to carry out high quality road worthiness inspections specific to their trade
• How the business works from an operational perspective and where their role fits within the business and how they contribute to the success of the organisation
• Customer expectations delivering a safe, clean, reliable service
• The requirements of attending and assessing roadside incidents

This is a programme designed for people at every stage in life. It could be your first venture into work after finishing school, or the exciting career move you’ve been looking for. Whatever your motivation, we’re looking for those with an inquisitive mindset who love solving problems and don’t mind getting their hands dirty. You will need to have GCSE Maths and English (or equivalent) at Grace C / Level 3 as a minimum.

As an apprentice with us you’ll earn:

• Under 18s £8.00
• 18 to 20 £ 10.85
• 21 and above £12.71
• In your first year, raising year‑on‑year in line with National Minimum wage and progressing through your course.

Together, we strive to make travelling by bus the best choice for everyone. With our doors open to all, you’ll have the chance to build a fulfilling career with us, one where you can explore your passions, aspirations and realise your full potential. As you progress, you'll have the opportunity to earn a competitive salary, and we'll be there to support you every step of the way.

Join us and be at the forefront of revolutionising bus travel. You'll be a vital part of something big – by connecting communities, promoting sustainable travel, and contributing to a better tomorrow. You'll also gain invaluable skills and knowledge that will stay with you for a lifetime.