Bus company trentbarton said it has given its engineers a big pay rise to reward its technicians and apprentices, encourage them to stay with the business and attract new recruits who may not have previously worked on buses.
Every member of the qualified engineering team at trentbarton’s East Midlands depots has received at least a 20 per cent pay rise – with some getting more than 25 per cent. Management said the pay rise was accepted in a vote by the engineers.
The management also said that after discussing its apprenticeships pay rate with the Unite union, its apprentices are now being paid seven per cent above the standard national rate.
Group engineering director John Bickerton said: “We made a strong offer to recognise the vital role our skilled engineering staff play in keeping our buses on the road, serving our customers.
“We are pleased our colleagues readily accepted our offer and look forward to working together to drive the quality and productivity of our teams in the workshops.
“Our mutual goal is to improve the reliability and presentation of our fleet so we run the maximum number of services each day.”
The bus company currently has opportunities for at least 10 mechanical, electrical and body technicians to join the team, ideally with bus and coach experience plus an eye for detail and a customer focus in everything that they do.
Engineers with relevant skills but who have not previously worked on buses or other heavy vehicles can undertake training with trentbarton’s training providers.
