Coach and bus parts distributor Imperial Engineering recently welcomed nine Arriva apprentices for a familiarisation day at its Harlow base.
The trainees from across various stages of their three-year apprenticeship enjoyed an overview of Imperial Engineering’s 109-year history, association with the bus industry and long-standing partnership with Arriva.
They were taken on a tour of the purpose-built facility to gain an insight into the parts distribution process and the range of products and services provided, and receive expert caliper training from Imperial’s Technical Sales Manager, John Simmons, who has been in the coach and bus industry for more than 40 years.
John Dwight, Imperial Engineering’s Sales Director, who was involved in the tour, says: “It’s crucial to the successful future of our industry that we’re seen as an attractive career opportunity for the engineers and technicians of tomorrow, as advances in technology mean that the multi-skilled engineer is now very much in demand. We always enjoy the opportunity of showing young people how the whole industry works together and our partnership with Arriva continues to develop the next generation of employees.”
Imperial supports apprenticeships at grassroots level, including via training sessions with OEM bus part suppliers such as Knorr-Bremse, Haldex and Wabco. It has also been sponsor of the IRTE Skills Challenge since 2019.
