FAQ's
Get answers to some frequently asked questions
- If I am successful where will I be based?
- How many graduates do you plan to recruit this year?
- If I am successful can I defer the start date?
- What happens if I receive an offer?
- I am not a graduate; can I still work for First?
- What happens after I apply?
- Can I transfer from one scheme to another?
- If I have a disability does that stop me applying?
- What will I be doing in each placement?
- What will the job opportunities be after the scheme has finished?
- I am not a recent graduate, can I still apply?
- Do I have to wear a uniform?
- What equipment will I be provided with?
- Do I have to pay for my professional training?
1. If I am successful where will I be based?
All posts are based in the UK for the duration of the training period. If you successful on any of the Rail schemes you will be placed with one TOC, however you will be expected to travel frequently within that network. The engineering scheme requires more flexibility as some ATOC placements are based away from the TOC.
The bus graduates are placed with one company for a year and another for 6 months. This will require the graduate to be flexible and be able to relocate within the UK.
2. How many graduates do you plan to recruit this year?
Between 10 - 15 across rail, bus and engineering.
3. If I am successful can I defer the start date?
No - due to a graduate induction that takes place involving all the graduates. This induction provides a professional welcome to First, introduces graduates to senior managers within the business and provides valuable management modules that will help the graduate throughout their scheme.
4. What happens if I receive an offer?
This will be done via phone and confirmed through an official offer letter. This is then subject to you gaining a 2:1 in your degree and passing a medical.
5. I am not a graduate; can I still work for First?
Yes, please go to our careers pages here »
6. What happens after I apply?
See the recruitment process outlined on 'application process'
7. Can I transfer from one scheme to another?
We would consider all requests sympathetically providing you have the right educational qualifications to qualify for the scheme you want to transfer to.
8. If I have a disability does that stop me applying?
We welcome applications from candidates with disabilities. However for the graduate programme graduates have to pass a medical to ensure they are fit enough to undertake activities throughout the scheme such as safety critical work on track/depots and stations.
It is not possible to be able to request a purely office bound programme. Those applicants who have colour restricted vision may find that if employed, progression to certain roles in some functions in the company may not be open to them.
9. What will I be doing in each placement?
Placements will vary throughout the scheme, some will be very hands on, frontline based and others will be more project based. All placements will provide graduates with a rounded experience of the industry and First company. Placements will vary in location and length and can range from being based in a HQ to a depot. For more detailed information please refer to each individual scheme.
10. What will the job opportunities be after the scheme has finished?
First appointments are driven by the needs of the business at that time. However typical first posts in the past have been:
Rail - Station management, contracts management, operations management, project management, train planning, traincrew management.
Bus - Service Delivery management, operations management, staff management, project management.
Please see the 'initial posts' section.
11. I am not a recent graduate, can I still apply?
We welcome applications from experienced individuals of any age.
12. Do I have to wear a uniform?
No, as a management trainee you will be expected to wear smart business dress appropriate to the area you are working in.
13. What equipment will I be provided with?
As a management trainee you will receive a laptop and mobile phone. You will aslo be provided with any safety euipment you placements may require such as safety shoes and high visability vests.
14. Do I have to pay for my professional training?
No, First are dedicated to supporting staffs professional development therefore fund and support any professional development that you undertake.