Applications for this job are now closed
We're all about journeys. A to B. Here to there. We connect people and communities, and we make sure they're smiling along the way. Our graduate roles are designed to take you on a journey, too. Wherever you envision your career going, opportunities within First Bus are the perfect place to start.
Over the course of two years as a Bus Operations Management Graduate, we'll provide the development, mentorship and support needed for you to thrive in whatever direction your career takes you. First Bus graduates don't spend all their time staring at computer screens or fetching coffees. We're big believers in hands-on experience. From day one you'll be working with senior colleagues and absorbing as much as you can.
Who will I be working for?
First Bus are one of the largest bus operators in the UK operating around a fifth of local bus services, including 40 of the UK's largest towns and cities. We have a fleet of approximately 6,300 buses and we employ 14,500 colleagues across our 65 depots. Since 2010 we have invested in more than 2,300 new buses across our fleet, helping us to improve punctuality, fuel and cost efficiency and reduce our environmental impact.
What does the programme involve?
We're keen to encourage our graduates to get out of their comfort zones, so you'll need plenty of drive as you get to grips with our day-to-day.
As well as this, it'll be important for you to build solid relationships and collaborate with your colleagues at every level; you should be personable and eager to learn. Ours is a fast-moving operation in more ways than one, so you'll also be able to think on your feet and devise innovative solutions to any challenges that come your way. It's about being creative – looking at things from a new angle, finding ways to do things differently but effectively – and remaining resilient. And of course, you'll always put the safety and happiness of our passengers and our people first.
You'll be on the move from day one and over the two years you'll get stuck into:
- Learning everything about how an operational depot works, including hands on management experience as you work alongside your colleagues to improve employee and depot performance
- Developing and monitoring commercial route networks
- Working within our safety, engineering and finance teams
- A six-month commercial placement including a commercial project
- Driving in service to find out first-hand what our Drivers and Customers experience – you'll even have a chance to get your PCV Licence
Who are you looking for and what qualifications do I need?
First things first: we'd like you to have at least a 2:2 in any degree subject. You don't need any previous experience in our specific industry.
If you're ready to get stuck in, take on new challenges and discover all of the incredible doors that a career with FirstGroup can open, we want to hear from you. Your attention-to-detail should be among your best skills as you approach data analysis tasks with confidence. You'll be mentored at every stage and we'll work with you to make sure that you realise your full potential; we'd love it if you're already envisioning yourself in a management role in the future. You should be people-oriented, able to build positive relationships and work alongside your colleagues at every level, and strongly believe in the organisation's goals and values; safety and the customer should be at the heart of everything you do.
Where will I be located?
To ensure you get the breadth of experience necessary to take on a leadership role early in your career, you will go on placement at multiple operating companies within a specific region of the UK.
What will I receive in return?
We offer a competitive salary, travel benefits, pension scheme, buy as you earn and save as you earn share schemes as well as discount and cash back programmes with high street and online retailers. On top of these, we'll also offer you development courses, all supported by a range of colleagues within a wide network. And if applicable, opportunities to apply for professional training in fields of interest that are relevant for your role
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity in our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. This means we've created a culture where all our colleagues can thrive.
How will I be selected?
Our graduate recruitment process has five key stages. Once you've submitted your application, you'll be invited to complete a series of online tests. If successful, it's onto video interviews, then an Assessment Centre, and then we make our offers. We'll update you on the progress of your application by email, so make sure you keep an eye on your inbox.
Applications must be received by the 16th January, and where applicable pre-assessment stages completed before the 31st January, 2022.
