Lothian bus company launches engineering apprenticeship programme

Lothian’s engineering team is looking for fresh, enthusiastic young talent to launch their careers through 10 apprenticeship posts from the company’s in-house apprenticeship scheme.
Lothian apprentice David Lamb.Lothian apprentice David Lamb.
Lothian apprentice David Lamb.

Open to those aged 16-19, the Apprentice Technician programme provides participants with four years of hands-on training to acquire either an SVQ in Bus and Coach Mechanical/Electrical or a SCQF Level 6 in Bus & Coach Body Cladding upon successful completion.

Working in partnership with Glasgow Training Group (GTG), apprentices will learn in a modern, purpose-built centre, while still benefiting from practical experience within Lothian’s garages.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

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.

In the last decade alone, Lothian has trained more than 100 apprentices with many still working within the company, putting their skills to excellent use in keeping the fleet well-maintained and in excellent condition.

Dylan Dastey, Lothian’s chief engineer, said: “We understand the importance and value of helping to develop technical skills amongst young people, helping to futureproof our business, as well as the wider bus industry. Our apprentices draw from the experiences of our dedicated engineering team and receive vital on-the-job training to help ensure their skills are well rounded.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“We are delighted to be able to welcome more apprentices in 2022 and we look forward to meeting some of the applicants who are sure to go on to have successful careers within the company.”

Colin Gardner, bus & coach / HGV automotive instructor at GTG Edinburgh, said: “GTG Edinburgh's partnership with Lothian buses goes back to 2016, when we were chosen as the training provider for the operator's bus and coach apprenticeship programme, for the full four years of the course.

“We are dedicated to delivering training with the highest professionalism, and expertise in our field, with our bus & coach trainers offering a wealth of experience.

“Apprenticeship programmes can be challenging, but at GTG we work hard to ensure the apprentices learn and develop. In the two years I have worked for GTG, I have had the pleasure of completing more than 15 learners from Lothian Buses and it is very rewarding to see them progress, complete the apprenticeship programme, and embark on a career as bus and coach technicians and body repairers.”

Related topics: