Go North East drives forward with apprentices

We’ve teamed up with Go North East to recruit and train 10 new apprentices as the bus company expands its workforce.

The new bus and coach engineer apprentices will be trained to help maintain and service Go North East’s fleet of buses as it continues to grow and support the region’s public transport needs.

Maria Bainbridge, Head of People at Go North East, comments: "Investing in new apprentices each year not only increases our skills base but also secures a strong pipeline of talent for our future. It's clear that the value apprentices bring to our company is immense, as we continue to offer opportunities that foster their growth and development."

Go North East currently has 18 apprentices undertaking training across various engineering disciplines. The apprentices are based across multiple sites including Sunderland, Consett, Washington, Riverside, and Percy Main, reflecting the company's commitment to developing skilled professionals across the region.

Current third-year Mechanical Electrical Engineering Apprentice, Philip Hodgson has thrived on his apprenticeship thanks to Go North East’s support. Moving from the car industry, Philip has embraced the opportunities at the region’s largest transport provider, acquiring skills that have set him up for a promising career in engineering.

Philip said: “I can't learn and take in information by sitting in a classroom. So, for me, my apprenticeship with Go North East means that I'm learning in a practical environment, which is so much better! Learning a trade means that I'll always be able to use these skills for the rest of my life, it's invaluable!”

Oliver Jobson and Dan Lee, both apprentices at Go North East, share their positive experiences. Oliver looks forward to a lifelong career in engineering, thanks to the exceptional training and supportive environment at Go North East. Dan, transitioning from the education sector, appreciates the practical knowledge and insider expertise he has gained, which he believes surpasses traditional classroom learning.

John Deary, assistant principal at Gateshead College said: “We’ve been working in partnership with Go North East for 13 years now and we’re really proud of the apprenticeship programme which goes from strength to strength. It’s completely bespoke which means we’ve been able to adapt and evolve the apprenticeship to meet the organisation’s ongoing workforce requirements.”

The growth in apprenticeships supports ambitious plans to transform buses in the region, which are being delivered in partnership with Nexus, Transport North East, Durham County Council, and Northumberland County Council. Millions of pounds of funding is being pumped into buses as part of the Government’s Bus Service Improvement Plan.

If you’re interested in applying for the Go North East Apprenticeship programme, click here to leave your details and we’ll be in touch when applications open.