Bus and coach engineering technician
Level 3 · AdvancedEngineering and manufacturing 3 yr typical
About this apprenticeship
What it involves
The Bus and Coach Engineering Technician apprenticeship trains you to service, diagnose and repair buses and coaches across mechanical, electrical and bodywork systems. Apprentices develop skills in fleet maintenance to keep public and private transport vehicles safe and roadworthy. It leads to master technician, workshop controller or fleet engineer roles.
On the job
What you’ll learn
Diesel and hybrid powertrain systems in heavy vehicles
Air brake systems and PSV brake testing
Electrical and electronic systems on modern buses and coaches
Bodywork, door and accessibility equipment maintenance
Diagnostics using specialist software for buses
MOT preparation and DVSA inspection requirements
Health and safety in a heavy vehicle workshop
On the job
What you’ll do day to day
Service buses and coaches according to manufacturer schedules
Diagnose faults using diagnostic equipment and multimeters
Repair or replace drivetrain, brake and suspension components
Carry out electrical fault finding on vehicle systems
Inspect and test safety-critical systems before return to service
Prepare vehicles for DVSA annual tests and MOT inspections
Complete vehicle job cards and defect reports accurately
The deal
How this apprenticeship works
You earn a wage from day one. You are a paid employee, not a student. There are no tuition fees - the training is funded by your employer and the government.
About 20% is “off-the-job” training. Roughly a day a week is spent learning away from your normal duties - at a college, training provider, or online - working towards a recognised qualification.
It ends with an end-point assessment (EPA). Near the end, an independent assessor checks you can do the job to the national standard - through tests, a project, a portfolio or an interview. Pass it and you are fully qualified.
How to get there
What you need to start
Level 3 (Advanced) - roughly A-level level. Employers usually look for some GCSEs (often English & maths around grade 4/C) or a Level 2 apprenticeship first. English & maths can sometimes be finished during training.
What’s next: Can lead to a Level 4/5 (Higher) apprenticeship, or straight into the role.
Entry requirements are set by each employer and can vary - always check the specific vacancy.
Hear from employers
What it’s really like
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