Bristol WORKS Charging Their Way Into the Future at First Bus Hengrove Depot

Students from Bristol Hospital Education Service had an unforgettable experience today as they stepped behind the scenes at the state‑of‑the‑art First Bus Hengrove Depot. We were lucky enough to be welcomed by Shaun and Sam, who delivered a fantastic, hands‑on tour that brought the world of engineering and transport to life.

The visit began with an up‑close look at First Bus’s cutting‑edge electric charging infrastructure, giving students a real sense of how the future of sustainable travel is being powered. They then explored a bus driver’s cabin, walked through the paint workshop and mechanical workshop, and compared an older diesel bus engine with a modern electric model and a rare opportunity to see the evolution of engineering in action.

Sam, an apprentice with First Bus, talked about his journey into the industry. Students also took part in a series of practical apprentice‑style application tasks, followed by a short Q&A where they were able to ask about routes into engineering, apprenticeships, and life at First Bus.

The visit opened students’ eyes to the scale and complexity of the operations that keep Bristol moving. One student commented that he “had no idea so much went on behind the scenes,” while another shared that seeing inside an electric vehicle made him want to learn more about working on them.

A huge thank‑you to Shaun, Sam, and the First Bus team for giving the students such an inspiring and energising experience.

This activity was delivered as a part of WORKS in other LA, funded by the Mayoral West of England Combined Authority.