Record graduate trainees for First

A record 19 graduates started FirstGroup’s UK based Graduate Management Scheme last month. They have begun a two year workplace training programme at various locations across First’s UK operations and within various functions in the company’s Bus and Rail divisions. In 2013, 14 university leavers began their careers with First. The scheme began in 1999. In total 1,023 graduates applied to the 2014 FirstGroup scheme (also a record). FirstGroup also said all ten graduates from the scheme’s 2012 intake have successfully completed their two year programme and progressed into roles across different divisions.

FirstGroup’s HR Director, John Evans, said, ‘Extending the graduate programme reflects the success of our scheme and the quality of candidates that we are attracting. Across our UK Bus and Rail businesses there are many colleagues who have progressed from our graduate schemes into senior positions. In our bus division for example, two of our MDs started their careers on the FirstGroup graduate scheme. I’m delighted to welcome our new crop of graduates to FirstGroup, I’m confident they will each enjoy long and successful careers with First.’