Fastrack shows commitment to training and development in Thameside

Fastrack, operated by Go-Ahead on behalf of Kent County Council, is showing a commitment to training and development of engineers in the Thameside region. 

Its parent company Go-Ahead is making a multi-million-pound investment in engineering. This includes creating two leading engineering academies to train new apprentices and to upskill its 900 engineers across the UK.

Engineers from Fastrack maintain 28 state-of-the-art electric buses, procured specifically for the Fastrack network. They will attend the engineering academies to refine their skills and knowledge, learn about new technologies, gain zero-emission bus qualifications and prepare them for future management roles. 

Fastrack will be taking on one new apprentice, who will initially learn about complex mechanical and electrical systems in classrooms and in real-life settings before joining experienced engineers at the Fastrack depot to learn on the job whilst gaining a qualification and earning a wage. The programme will be delivered in partnership with S&B Automative Academy, one of the leading providers of apprenticeships to the automotive sector and will include placements with some of Go-Ahead’s other partners. Dedicated mentors will help guide and support recruits throughout the programme.

Over the next 15 years of Go-Ahead contract to operate Fastrack, at least three young people from Thameside will be given the opportunity to take part in the Go-Ahead engineering apprenticeship scheme. This reflects Go-Ahead commitment to providing quality employment and training to local people. 

Isobel Hedley-Jones, Head of Fastrack, Go-Ahead said: “Our engineers play a crucial role in delivering reliable bus services to our customers across the community. By investing in the skills of our existing and future engineers we’re making their careers at Fastrack more rewarding and providing opportunities for the next generation.” 

Luke D'Auvergne, Fastrack Engineering Supervisor said: “The engineering apprenticeship is a great way into the bus industry. I started as an apprentice with Go-Ahead London and have had a rewarding and interesting career to date. Go-Ahead’s commitment to cutting edge technology means that I have been upskilled from a coachmaker to multi-skilled engineer and over the past ten years have honed my skills on London’s fleet of electric buses. I’m really excited to be working back home in Kent and would really encourage young people to consider a career in engineering in the bus industry”