Bus and Coach Technician Apprentice

Wage: £16,640 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age
Training course: Bus and coach engineering technician (level 3)
Hours: 40-hours a week Monday to Friday, working hours TBC
Start date: Monday 27 July 2026
Duration: 3 years
Positions available: 1

Summary

The programme designed for people at every stage in life. It could be your first venture into work after 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.

Wage £16,640 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab) Training course Bus and coach engineering technician (level 3) Hours 40-hours a week Monday to Friday, working hours TBC 40 hours a week Start date Monday 27 July 2026 Duration 3 years Positions available 1

What you'll do at work

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

Where you'll work

Manor Lane Industrial Estate, Manor LaneHawardenDeesideCH5 3QY

Training

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

What you'll learn

Course contents Carry out the foundation tasks common to all procedures involving basic mechanical and electrical and coachbuilder procedures including: the safe use of hand tools and workshop equipment; safe use of power tools and equipment; the use of mechanical and electronic measuring equipment; test equipment and gauges; basic workshop practices and procedures relating to working on vehicles and components; assembly processes for mechanical units, electrical circuits and coachbuilding, including various fixing and joining methods.Inspect and prepare a vehicle to the required company and DVSA standards to successfully pass the elements of mandated, pre-arranged vehicle tests specific to their tradeContribute to the maintenance of a safe and efficient workshop and adhere to company and legislative processesUse current and emerging technology to access specific relevant information held within engineering manuals, drawings and electronic resources.Carry out planned preventative maintenance and repairs within chosen tradeRemove repair/replace components in line with manufacturers and company proceduresInvestigate defects reported by drivers and identify the root cause and eliminate recurring defects, relevant to chosen tradeMaintain records to company and Operators Licence obligations and regulationsCarry out routine mechanical servicing, planned preventative maintenance and “health checksCarry out routine servicingInspect, diagnose and repair braking systemsInspect, diagnose and repair steering systemsInspect, diagnose and repair suspension systemsInspect, diagnose and repair engine, fuel coolant and exhaust systemsInspect, diagnose and repair transmission and retarder systemsCarry out routine electrical servicing and planned maintenance . Inspect, diagnose and repair electrical circuits and wiringInspect, diagnose and repair electrical charging systems and electrical power storage devices and systemsInspect, diagnose and repair electrical charging systems, battery storage and electrical drive systemsInspect, diagnose and repair engine, transmission and other vehicle control management systemsInspect, diagnose and repair on board auxiliary systemsInspect , diagnose and repair electronic, digital and programmable control systemsCarry out routine safety inspectionsManufacture, repair and fit body parts, panels and body fixings access panelsManufacture, repair and fit body structural componentsUndertake repairs or complete fabrication processes using Gas, Mig or Tig weldingCarry out Fibre Glass or GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastics) repairs to body componentsRepair interior trim materials and componentsRemove and replace bonded and gasket glazingCarry out routine mechanical and electrical servicing, planned preventative maintenance and “ health checks”Inspect, diagnose and repair mechanical systems, engine, fuel, coolant and transmission systemsInspect, diagnose and repair electrical systems, electrical circuits, electrical units and componentsInspect, diagnose and repair on board auxiliary systems, battery charging and electronic drive systemsUse diagnostic equipment and software to locate, diagnose and rectify faults on mechanical and electrical components

Training schedule

Bus and Coach Engineering Technician Level 3.

Training will be in the workplace, and one week's 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.

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

English (grade 4)Maths (grade 4)

Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.

Skills

Communication skillsAttention to detailOrganisation skillsProblem solving skillsAnalytical skillsLogicalTeam workingCreativeInitiativePatiencePhysical fitness

About this employer

Arriva is one of the UK's leading public transport operators, providing reliable bus and rail services that connect millions of people with their communities every day. With a strong commitment to safety, innovation, and sustainability, Arriva is investing in the future of transport, including low and zero-emission vehicles. Joining Arriva means becoming part of a supportive team where you'll receive high-quality training, develop valuable engineering skills, and have excellent opportunities to build a long-term career.

After this apprenticeship

Your earnings can increase over time with an apprenticeship. Find out about potential future pay (opens in new tab).

Senior Technician/Master Technician Workshop Supervisor or Team Leader Workshop Manager/Engineering Manager Fleet Engineer/Fleet Maintenance Manager Training and Education