Lothian Buses launches drive to source apprentices

Open to anyone aged 16-19 years, the apprentice technician posts run for four years and provide participants with a Bus and Coach Mechanical/Electrical SVQ.

Working in partnership with Glasgow Training Group, apprentices are given fantastic opportunities to develop their skillset in a modern, purpose-built centre, while still benefiting from practical experience within Lothian garages and the company’s on-going partnership with Volvo Trucks and Bus Scotland.

Over the last decade Lothian has trained more than 80 apprentices, with the majority still currently working within the company.

Jim Armstrong, Lothian’s engineering director, said: “At Lothian, we understand the importance and value of helping develop technical skills amongst our young people and for nearly 20 years we have worked hard to make sure they receive the best quality training possible.

“Our apprentices are also able to draw from the experiences of our dedicated engineering team and receive vital on the job training to help ensure their skills are well rounded.

“We are delighted to be able to welcome more apprentices across 2020 and look forward to meeting some of the applicants that I’m sure will go on to have successful careers within the company and help to future proof our business.”

Last year, Lothian apprentice Jamie Aitken was crowned Top Scoring Bodywork Apprentice at the 2019 Institute of Road Transport Engineers awards.

Young people interested in applying have until 28 February to submit their application. Candidates must have received or be working towards National 4 or above in Maths, English and either a science or technical subject. Standard Grades 1-4 and Intermediates will also be accepted.

Lothian is the UK’s largest municipal bus company, owned by the City of Edinburgh, East Lothian, Mid Lothian and West Lothian councils. It has been based in the Capital for almost 100 years and is now one of the region’s largest employers with more than 2,500 staff, 1,700 of whom are drivers.

Lothian works in partnership with many other transport providers across Scotland providing vital links and connections for onward travel.

The firm shares ticketing and connectivity platforms with Edinburgh Trams, which allows customers to make cost effective integrated journeys across the Capital in conjunction with Transport for Edinburgh.

For more information about apprenticeship applications, contact Glasgow Training Group on 0141 950 5663.