Wrightbus has announced it will be creating over 40 new positions at its headquarters in Ballymena, Northern Ireland, in preparation for an increase in vehicle production.
Coachbuilders, spray painters, welders, technicians, electrical engineers, accountants, a project manager, and sales, production and office staff will be sought in the recruitment drive.
Wrightbus says nineteen positions will be apprenticeships aimed at giving opportunities to young people in the region, and an international project engineer role hints at increased global ambitions for the manufacturer.
The increase in production comes as part of the Prime Minister’s pledge to bring 4,000 zero-emission buses onto the UK network. Wrightbus Chairman Jo Bamford says the new jobs will allow production to keep up with growing demand.
“This recruitment will help us support the government’s investment pledge for at least 4,000 zero-emission buses on the streets of the UK,” says Mr Bamford. “It’s thanks to this and other orders already in the pipeline that we’ve been able to create these jobs. We’re proud to be supporting the local economy and creating opportunities for young people thanks to the apprenticeships we’ve been able to offer.
“We have made huge strides in 2020, despite the year being paralysed by the COVID-19 pandemic, yet 2021 is going to be the year hydrogen really makes its mark.
“At Wrightbus we have already launched the world’s first zero-emission hydrogen fuel cell-electric double decker bus and this year will see us deliver significant orders into London, Birmingham, Belfast and other cities across the UK, including in Northern Ireland.”
The Wrightbus fuel cell-electric vehicles (FCEVs) were first launched in Aberdeen in October, followed by Belfast in December. Birmingham and London are expected to launch FCEVs this year.
“We are proud to be playing a pivotal role in the world’s net zero ambitions and this green future – the vision we all have of a zero-emission planet – will only be achieved if we all work together,” Mr Bamford adds. “Hydrogen’s time is now, and Wrightbus is excited to be at the vanguard of this revolution.”
