FirstGroup is one of the leading transport operators in the United Kingdom and North America, providing essential bus and rail services to millions of passengers every year. If you are looking for a stable career with opportunities for growth, FirstGroup offers a wide range of roles ranging from frontline driving positions to specialized engineering and corporate leadership. Finding the right position and navigating the application process is the first step toward joining this massive network of transport professionals.
Understanding the FirstGroup Network
Before you begin your application, it is helpful to understand the different divisions within FirstGroup. The company is primarily split into bus and rail operations, each offering unique career paths and work environments. Knowing which division suits your skills will help you narrow down your search effectively.
First Bus Operations
First Bus is one of the UK’s largest bus operators, transporting hundreds of thousands of people daily. Careers in this division often focus on local community service. Roles include bus drivers, cleaners, and depot managers. If you enjoy interacting with the public and have a passion for road safety, this division is likely where you should start your search.
First Rail Operations
FirstGroup operates several major rail franchises and open-access rail services. This includes well-known brands such as Avanti West Coast, Great Western Railway (GWR), South Western Railway (SWR), Lumo, and Hull Trains. Rail careers are diverse, offering roles in train driving, station management, on-board hospitality, and track maintenance. The rail sector often requires specific technical training, which the company frequently provides through its own academies.
How to Search for Job Openings
Finding a job at FirstGroup requires visiting their official recruitment portal. While many third-party job boards list their openings, applying directly through the official site ensures your application is seen by the internal recruitment team. You can search for roles based on your location, the specific brand you are interested in, or the type of work you want to do.
- Location-Based Search: Use your postcode or city to find vacancies near you. This is especially important for depot-based roles like driving or engineering.
- Role Category: Filter by categories such as ‘Customer Service,’ ‘Engineering,’ ‘Graduate & Apprenticeships,’ or ‘Management.’
- Brand Filtering: If you specifically want to work for a brand like GWR or First Bus, you can filter results to show only those opportunities.
The Step-by-Step Application Process
Applying for a position at FirstGroup is a structured process designed to find the best fit for each role. While the specific steps may vary depending on the seniority of the position, most candidates can expect a similar journey.
1. Creating Your Profile
The first step is to register on the FirstGroup careers portal. You will need to provide your basic contact information and upload a current CV. Creating a profile allows you to save job alerts so you are notified as soon as a new position matching your criteria becomes available.
2. Submitting the Online Application
Once you find a role that interests you, you will need to complete an online application form. This usually involves answering a series of questions about your work history, your right to work in the country, and any relevant licenses you hold. For driving roles, you will specifically be asked about your driving record and any existing PCV (Passenger Carrying Vehicle) licenses.
3. Online Assessments
For many roles, especially in rail and bus driving, you will be asked to complete online assessments. These tests evaluate your situational judgment, mechanical reasoning, or concentration levels. These are designed to ensure you have the core competencies required for safety-critical roles.
4. The Interview Stage
If your application and assessments are successful, you will be invited to an interview. This may be conducted virtually via video call or in person at a local depot or office. The interview usually focuses on competency-based questions, where you will be asked to provide examples of how you have handled specific situations in the past.
Tips for a Successful Application
Competition for roles at FirstGroup can be high, particularly for trainee train driver and apprentice engineering positions. To stand out, you should focus on demonstrating a commitment to safety and customer service.
- Highlight Safety: In the transport industry, safety is the number one priority. Ensure your CV and interview answers reflect your ability to follow strict procedures and maintain a safe environment.
- Tailor Your CV: Read the job description carefully and use keywords that match the requirements. If they ask for ‘reliability’ and ‘punctuality,’ provide evidence of these traits from your previous jobs.
- Research the Brand: If you are applying to a specific rail brand like Avanti West Coast, learn about their values and their current service goals. Showing that you understand the specific brand’s mission can impress recruiters.
- Prepare for Situational Questions: Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to answer interview questions. This keeps your answers concise and ensures you highlight your specific contributions.
Benefits of Working at FirstGroup
FirstGroup is known for offering a comprehensive benefits package that supports both professional and personal well-being. Employees often cite the stability of the company and the opportunities for internal promotion as major perks.
Professional Development
The company invests heavily in training. Whether you are starting as an apprentice or entering a management fast-track program, there are numerous paths for progression. Many senior managers at FirstGroup started their careers as drivers or frontline staff.
Travel Perks
One of the most popular benefits of working for a transport company is the travel discounts. Employees often receive free or heavily discounted travel on First Bus and First Rail services, which can result in significant annual savings.
Health and Pension
FirstGroup provides competitive pension schemes and various health and wellness initiatives. This includes access to employee assistance programs, cycle-to-work schemes, and discounted gym memberships in some regions.
Start Your Journey Today
Securing a career at FirstGroup is a great way to enter the transport industry and build a long-term professional path. By following the official application channels and preparing thoroughly for the assessment stages, you can increase your chances of success. Whether you are looking to be the face of the company as a driver or working behind the scenes in engineering, your contribution will help keep the country moving.
If you found this guide helpful, consider exploring our other articles on career development, interview preparation, and navigating corporate application portals to help you land your next big role.