Go North East opens engineering opportunities as weekly bus use hits one million trips

The number of people travelling with Go North East, the region’s largest bus operator, has hit the one million per week mark, sparking a surge in demand for engineers to join the company’s growing workforce.

Simon Carlisle, Engineering Director at the company said, “Our engineering team is one of the largest, most skilled and passionate in the region, and with our fleet set to expand, we’re looking to welcome new talent on board”.

But it’s not Simon or managers leading the drive to bring in more talent - it’s Go North East bus engineers themselves, who feature in a campaign launched this week called ‘Ignite Your Passion!’

Skilled fitter Melissa Millington, alongside apprentice mechanical electrical engineers Phil Hodgson and Oliver Jobson, all based at Riverside bus depot, take centre stage in the campaign. They share their stories of how their hands-on roles help keep the community connected and show potential recruits why a career with Go North East stands out.

The company is actively recruiting qualified fitters, vehicle electricians and bus body builders at depots in Consett, Sunderland, Gateshead, Washington and Percy Main. All recruits need experience in vehicle engineering – ideally with buses, heavy and light goods or even military vehicles are ideal. Cross-training is also available for car mechanics ready to take their skills to the next level.

All Go North East engineers receive ongoing training, leading to the respected Institute of Road Transport Engineers Certification (IRTEC), and will be upskilled in the latest developments in bus technology, including electric buses.

With very competitive salaries of up to £45,000 depending on role, location, and shift pattern - Go North East engineers benefit from a comprehensive package including holidays, pensions, free travel and discounted family travel.

If you are ready to "Ignite Your Passion" and join Phil, Melissa, Oliver, and the rest of the Go North East engineering team, visit www.gonortheast.co.uk/careers.

ENDS

29 NOVEMBER 2024

Notes to editors

Go North East runs a network of bus routes across the North East region including Newcastle, Sunderland, Durham, and surrounding areas.

The Go-Ahead Group is one of the UK’s leading providers of public transport, enabling more than a billion passenger journeys each year on its bus and rail services. Go-Ahead places great importance on partnership, adopting a collaborative approach with governments, local communities and strategic partners; developing and operating services that create long-term value for all.

For more information about Go-Ahead Group visit www.go-ahead.com.

Photography by: Charlotte Graham

Press and media contacts:

Ben Maxfield

Business Director, Go North East

ben.maxfield@gonortheast.co.uk

Telephone: 07890 436531