Bus apprenticeship is fare game for Jordan

The 25-year-old, from Southwick, is one of three apprentices the firm has taken on to train at its depots in Sunderland, Newcastle and South Shields, where they will undertake a four-year programme in mechanical and electrical engineering.

The apprenticeship offers a combination of residential training to achieve the Technical Certificate in Bus and Coach Engineering Maintenance, and on the job training at the local depot.

Twenty-five-year old Jordan has just started his apprenticeship at the Shields depot: “I previously worked in administration and workshop control, so I really wanted to experience and learn more about the manual side.

“When I was looking for apprenticeships I saw this opportunity and I applied for it straight away, as I thought it would be ideal.

“I am interested in engineering and science and like to see how things work, so I am looking forward to developing a full-time job in engineering.”

Engineering definitely runs in the family for new apprentice Lee Mutch, whose dad is the engineering manager at the Stagecoach depot in Hartlepool.

The 18-year-old has taken up the engineering apprenticeship in Sunderland.

Lee worked in retail before joining Stagecoach: “I have only been at the depot two months but have already learned about servicing gear boxes, and every day is different,” he said.

“My Dad has worked his way up from engineering apprentice, fitter, charge hand, and engineering supervisor, so I know that there are great opportunities for a career in engineering with Stagecoach and I am really enjoying it.”

Seventeen-year-old Elliot Milburn, from Wallsend, is the third new starter and has joined the team at the Walkergate depot in Newcastle. Engineering director Gary Chisholm said: “We are committed to developing our staff, and offering apprenticeship opportunities is a great way to bring young people into the company and nurture their skills from the outset of their professional career.

“Elliot, Jordan and Lee show great promise and I am sure that they will be an asset to the engineering teams so we are delighted to welcome them aboard.

“We find our trainees remain with the company for most, if not all, of their working life.”