Manchester - Apprentices

Apprenticeships: will you be one of the famous five?!

Starting at £177.84 per week (pay award pending) with an annual increase as you progress through your apprenticeship.

Stagecoach Manchester is looking to recruit five new apprentices to its engineering team.

We’re looking for the skilled mechanics, body repairers and auto electrical engineers of the future. That’s why we’re recruiting "the famous five" apprentices now to join the engineering team at Stagecoach Manchester.

Engineering play a vital role in keeping our buses in the best condition possible, ensuring they meet the highest standards required by law and of course by our customers.

Scroll down for more about the role, the qualifications and qualitites we're looking for, plus info on the application and selection process ...

So what's life like as an engineering apprentice?

Apprenticeships at Manchester last four years and for starters, you’ll never find two days are the same especially when you’ll be working on a state of the art of fleet of more than 670 buses! As an apprentice you’ll work on site at either Stockport, Hyde Road or Princess Road depots in Manchester.

From day one, you’ll be out there in the thick of it, orange overalls and steel toe-capped boots on, learning hands-on with our experienced engineering team. They’ll teach you the tricks of the trade, as we like to think of them as more magician than technician. We’re proud of our maintenance record not to mention the team who keep our buses in Manchester running safely and reliably on the road.

You’ll also balance your hands-on training with attendance at a specialist training college, enabling you to gain a formal industry recognised NVQ level 2 and 3 and a full Technical Certificate in Transport Engineering Maintenance.

All in all then, you can be sure you’ll enjoy one of the most progressive and high-standard engineering apprenticeships in the UK bus industry.

What else can I expect?

4 years training on full apprenticeship pay*
Holiday pay
Company pension scheme after your qualifying period
Free bus travel for you and a nominated relative or partner on Stagecoach buses and Metrolink.
Full support through your college training

You’ll also be able to choose to specialise in either mechanical or electrical engineering or body repairing.

* Starting at £177.84 per week (pay award pending) with an annual increase as you progress through your apprenticeship.

What qualifications do I need?

To be considered for our apprenticeship programme, you’ll need to have 3 GCSEs at grade C or equivalent or Standard Grades at grade 1 which must include English, Maths and one Science subject.

We’re also looking for a genuine interest in and passion for the transport industry. Enthusiasm and willingness to learn are also essential qualities, as is a sense of humour and real hunger for getting your sleeves rolled-up.

Stagecoach Manchester is an equal opportunities employer.

If I apply, what will happen next?

If you’re successful in your application, you’ll then go through three stages in our apprenticeship selection process. This starts April/May time with what we call “initial tests" where you’ll be tested on your maths, English and mechanical comprehension ability. Two rounds of interviews will then follow the initial tests.

Ultimately, we’ll be looking to appoint five new apprentices this year.

Sounds interesting. How do I apply?

Simple. Just download and print off the PDF application form below. Fill it out by hand in block caps, stating in the "vacancy" box you're applying for "Engineering Apprenticeship." Then send it together with photocopies of your GCSE or Standard qualifications to:-

Mary Clowes, Personnel Department, Stagecoach Manchester, Hyde Road, Ardwick, Manchester, M12 6JS

Closing date for applications is 30 March 2008.

We look forward to hearing from you. Good luck!

Click here to download your PDF application form.