First want more graduates

FirstGroup aims to increase its graduate intake by around 65%. In September 2014, 23 graduates will begin working for First in the UK across its Bus, Rail and Group functions. Its graduate scheme this year attracted a record 1,023 applications. The operator’s graduates undertake a workplace training schedule over two years at various locations across First’s UK operations and within various functions in the company’s Bus and Rail divisions. In 2013, FirstGroup’s university leaver intake was 14, all of whom will remain with the business and will shortly begin the second half of their two year programmes. FirstGroup offers three schemes: Engineering, Operations and Commercial, the latter being introduced for the first time in 2013.

FirstGroup’s HR Director, John Evans, said, ‘Our Graduate Programme has been an overwhelming success. Extending the scheme by around two thirds reflects the huge contribution that our graduates make to the business, both whilst on the programme and as they go on to develop their careers with First. Indeed colleagues who have graduated occupy many senior positions across our Bus and Rail Divisions. In extending the scheme we hope to build on that success and encourage even more people to develop their careers at First. I’m pleased too that our programme continues to attract record volumes of applicants. I’m thrilled with the response rate and in particular with the quality of candidate that is approaching First. We are attracting students with tremendous pedigree and potential.’

 

 

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