Stagecoach seeks skilled mechanics to keep wheels turning

Stagecoach South West is currently seeking skilled mechanics to join the Exeter team. Stagecoach South West’s Engineering Director, Mike Bishop faces a daily round of challenges. But an unexpected one, given the current economic climate, is being able to fill a job vacancy.

Mike and his team are on the look out for a couple of shift mechanics to work in the Exeter depot and, as he explains, finding applicants with the right combination of skills and experience is proving difficult.

“With 170 buses to service and maintain, our Exeter depot is a 24/7 operation. We’ve got a great team in place and, for some time now, we’ve been looking for more mechanics to join them. We’ve interviewed a lot of applicants but our industry requires a certain set of skills that we just can’t seem to find.”

Mike goes on to explain: “For us, it’s not enough to just know your way around an engine. We need people who have passed their NVQ Level 3 (or equivalent) in Heavy Vehicle Maintenance, have specialist PCV (passenger carrying vehicle) or HGV experience and can diagnose problems quickly and accurately.

"On top of that, our mechanics also need to be up-to-date with all the latest legal requirements. It’s a really involved job but the rewards are great and, for the right candidates, we can offer secure, long-term employment.”

Mike has once again opened the recruitment process at the Exeter depot and is keeping his fingers crossed that this time around he’ll be successful in finding new recruits to help keep the company’s wheels turning.

If you think you know of anyone who would be suitable, more information about the role can be found at https://www.stagecoachbus.com/