Bus Engineering Management Trainee
Abhinay Ramani - Bus Engineering Management Trainee
I joined First in September 2005 after completing my Masters in Electronics and Electrical Engineering.
I was looking for mainly two aspects in a new job- a challenging role and the chance to work with a large number of people. The Graduate Program with First fulfilled both these requirements perfectly. I am currently in the second year of the Engineering Management Scheme, which is a two-year programme, unlike the Operations scheme, which is 18 months. The beauty of the programme is that though it is primarily focussed on the engineering aspects, there is a lot of time devoted to the other aspects of the business such as the Operational, Commercial and Financial sides. This has enabled me to get a much fuller understanding of the way the company is structured and why teamwork between various departments is so crucial to the day to day running, as well as the long term strategy for the company.
The two year scheme consists of two six monthly stints within depots of varying sizes, regions and operational requirements.
My two depot placements are with Leeds which is a multi-depot urban operation with a high output, and with Worcester which is a much more rural operation with a much smaller depot. The remaining one year is spent with the other departments, as well as attending training courses and visiting manufacturers to study the business relationships between First and its suppliers. There is also a section of time devoted to the Central Engineering function and time spent with the Central Engineering Audit team, which is extremely useful in gaining knowledge of varying practices and requirements around the company.
I would thoroughly recommend joining the Engineering Scheme to anyone who enjoys a challenge and the opportunity to work with a large team of people.
Every day is different and offers the scope to learn and progress and best of all, if you work hard and take full advantage of the scheme, the Sky is the Limit!!