Work for FirstGroup
Introduction to FirstGroup
FirstGroup plc is a leading provider of transport services across the country. Our brands include Great Western Railway, South Western Railway, Avanti West Coast and local bus services carrying over 2.9 million bus passengers every day. We provide easy and convenient mobility, improving quality of life by connecting people and communities.
Working with us, you’ll soon discover that there’s so much more to life at FirstGroup than simply doing a job. We’re all part of one big family that works hard and supports each other to help millions of people travel to thousands of different destinations. So, you’ll need plenty of drive, determination and dedication.
Want to go further and enjoy an exciting new career route? Then join us on our journey.
FirstGroup usually have a wide range of opportunities and whilst this isn’t the case currently, they would love for you to register your interest for future vacancies.
FirstGroup brands
Great Western Railway
Helping more than 100 million customers a year to make their journeys, we’re one of Britain’s largest train companies. We’re also the only one to run long distance, commuter, regional and sleeper services.
TransPennine Express
We make sure 61,000 customers enjoy travelling across the Pennines and North of England every day on our dedicated intercity services. 100% customer led, we’re passionate about providing the best in safety, performance and customer care.
Hull Trains
An open access operation, we run a range of services across East Yorkshire to Hull, Doncaster and Selby, as well as 90 journeys a week between Hull and London. One of the smaller UK train operators, we aim to provide a personal touch that others simply can’t offer.
First Bus
One of the UK’s largest bus operators, we run one out of every five local bus services and carry 1.6 million customers on 6,200 vehicles every single day. Transforming the world of bus travel, we’re making a big investment in the future to help local communities run smoothly and meet the needs of our customers better than ever before.
First Tram Operations
Our diverse team operates some tram services on behalf of Transport for London. Every day 80,000 customers travel on our prompt and reliable services between Croydon and Wimbledon.
South Western Railway
Investing in a better connected South Coast, we give 100 per cent to help our customers arrive safely and on time. We want the best people to join our team. So, we’ll look after you with great rewards and training.
Avanti West Coast
The West Coast Mainline is Britain’s premier long-distance railway, linking together towns and major cities to create a vital economic artery for the UK. But for us, that’s just the start.
We’re on a mission to run a railway that generates prosperity and pride, right across the nation. We’re creating an iconic railway the country can be proud of, with shining customer service to boot.
Find your perfect opportunity at FirstGroup
Real-life stories
Watch: Jayden talks about her experience as a bus driver...
Interested in training to become a bus driver?
Jo Ronson - On-Board Service Manager, TransPennine Express
Jo joined First York bus operation in 2009 as a bus driver. Having previously been a car driving instructor, she soon moved to teaching bus driving skills to new and existing drivers. Her next role was into management as a Staff Manager in a depot. In 2014, she moved to TPE as a train conductor and is currently an On Board Staff Manager for York and Scarborough.
“Being a conductor is one of the best jobs in the world! But I like managing teams and so couldn’t resist the temptation when my manager pointed out the On Board Services Manager vacancy. I work hard and am on call if my team need help with a problem. In FirstGroup, there are lots of opportunities – it’s up to you to decide whether to go for them.”
Louise Cheeseman - Managing Director, Hull Trains
Louise is Managing Director for Hull Trains. She started in the rail industry in 2001 as a guard with Northern Rail. Being quickly promoted through safety and operations roles, she became the General Manager for Docklands Light Railway, which included responsibility for managing operations for the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Louise then travelled to Sydney to assist in the preparation of the Sydney Light Rail bid. A further two years was spent with Metrolink in Manchester before joining FirstGroup as Service Delivery Director. Louise was appointed as Managing Director for Hull Trains in 2018.
“I’ve been encouraged by some great bosses and mentors and have taken the opportunities that I was offered. The rail industry has given me such an amazing career. I don’t want women similar to myself to miss out on such a great opportunity!”
Example roles at FirstGroup
Bus Driver
Join us in a valued role at the heart of customer service. If you are passionate about delivering outstanding customer service, and can bring your fantastic customer skills with you, we will provide all the necessary training that you require.
FirstGroup usually have a wide range of bus driver opportunities and whilst this isn’t the case currently, they would love for you to register your interest for future vacancies.
Customer Service
Customer experience is at the heart of everything we do. That’s why we hire for a range of roles across the FirstGroup brands – including Customer Ambassadors, Rail Operators, Guards, Sales Advisors and more.
FirstGroup usually have a wide range of customer service opportunities and whilst this isn’t the case currently, they would love for you to register your interest for future vacancies.
Engineering and maintenance
Do you want to be part of our energetic team of Engineers and maintenance staff repairing our fleet of vehicles? If yes, then one of our Technician positions could be just the job for you!
FirstGroup usually have a wide range of engineering and maintenance opportunities and whilst this isn’t the case currently, they would love for you to register your interest for future vacancies.
FirstGroup brand values
Every year our family of 110,000 colleagues helps 2.2 billion people to get to work, go to school, visit family and get to where they want to go.
In a world of rapid urbanisation and expanding populations, congestion is a growing problem. Enabling people to live ever closer together, yet still move about and prosper is a major challenge. However, we’re one of the few organisations in the world with the scale and expertise to meet this challenge.
Our vision:
We provide easy and convenient mobility, improving quality of life by connecting people and communities.
Our values:
1. Committed to our customers
We keep our customers at the heart of everything we do.
2. Dedicated to safety
Always front of mind, safety is our way of life.
3. Supportive of each other
We trust each other to deliver and work to help one another succeed.
4. Accountable for performance
Every decision matters, we do the right thing to achieve our goals.
5. Setting the highest standards
We want to be the best, continually seeking a better way to do things.