To mark the start of Scottish Apprentice Week, Lothian’s engineering team is recruiting for 10 apprentices through its in-house Apprentice Technician scheme.
The scheme is available to those aged 16-19. Undertaken in partnership with Glasgow Training Group (GTG), it will provide apprentices with four years of hands-on training carried out at a purpose-built centre and within Lothian’s garages, with a view to acquiring an SVQ in Bus and Coach Mechanical/Electrical, or a SCQF Level 6 in Bus and Coach Body Cladding upon completion.
“We understand the importance and value of helping to develop technical skills among young people, helping to futureproof our business, as well as the wider bus industry,” says Lothian Chief Engineer Dylan Dastey. “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.
“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.”
GTG was selected as Lothian’s training provider partner back in 2016, when it was chosen for the full four years of the coach and bus apprenticeship programme.
Says Colin Gardner, Bus and Coach/HGV Automotive Instructor at GTG Edinburgh: “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 coach and bus technicians and body repairers.”
Lothian reveals it has trained more than 100 apprentices in the past decade, many of whom still work within the company. Those interested in applying have until 1 April. Candidates must be working towards National 4 or above in English, maths and either a science or technical subject.
