Lothian explains how apprenticeships are helping to create a culture of continuous learning, development and improvement
Our latest cohort of Apprentice Engineers
Lothian is proud to champion apprenticeships and skills development across our workforce, recognising the vital role they play in building skills, supporting careers and futureproofing our business.
Engineering Apprenticeships
Our longstanding engineering apprenticeship programme has successfully trained over 140 apprentices, with the majority still working within the business today. The programme is highly regarded both within the transport industry and beyond, attracting hundreds of applicants each year.
Designed to develop future talent and maintain the exceptionally high standards across our workshops, the scheme has helped shape generations of skilled engineers. Many colleagues now in management and supervisory roles began their careers through the Lothian apprenticeship route.
Open to individuals aged 16 and over, with no upper age limit, our Apprentice Technician programme provides four years of hands-on training leading to an SCQF qualification in either Heavy Goods and Public Service Vehicle Maintenance or Vehicle Body Repair and Alignment.
Delivered in partnership with GTG, apprentices benefit from training in a modern, purpose-built facility, complemented by practical experience under the guidance of highly experienced colleagues. Throughout their apprenticeship, trainees are encouraged to continually develop skills as technology and industry standards evolve.
Our apprentices are also supported to take part in the IRTE Skills Challenge, where they can have the opportunity to test their abilities alongside peers from across the industry. In 2025, two of Lothian’s apprentices achieved individual awards at the competition, with the team also securing the Outstanding Apprentice Team award, continuing a strong track record of success for Lothian at the event.
Modern Apprenticeships
Building on the success of our engineering pathway, Lothian expanded its apprenticeship offering in 2024 by welcoming four Modern Apprentices into roles across HR, Engineering Administration, Data Analysis and Commercial.
Lothian recognises the importance of developing a strong, skilled and diverse workforce
This programme provides a valuable entry point into both the bus industry and specialist professional fields, with apprentices working full-time while completing their training and achieving recognised learning outcomes alongside their role.
We are delighted that all four of our pioneering Modern Apprentices successfully completed their training and have continued their careers with Lothian on a permanent basis. Their fresh perspectives, combined with the support of experienced colleagues, have added real value across our teams.
More recently, we welcomed a new Modern Apprentice into our Data Analysis team and we continue to explore opportunities across the business where apprenticeships can add long-term value.
Investing in future talent
Lothian recognises the importance of developing a strong, skilled and diverse workforce. Investing in home-grown talent remains a priority, helping to create a culture of continuous learning, development and improvement across the business.
We are equally committed to celebrating the achievements of our apprentices, recognising the inspiration they provide to future generations considering a career in transport.
As part of National Apprenticeship Week, we thank all our apprentices for their enthusiasm, dedication and contribution to Lothian’s ongoing success. Their willingness to learn, ask questions and challenge themselves plays a vital role in shaping the future of our business.
Applications for the next intake of Lothian Apprentice Engineers will open soon, with successful candidates joining us in the autumn.
This story appears inside the latest issue of Passenger Transport.
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