Thirty apprentices from the Go-Ahead Group visited the Wrightbus factory in Ballymena to learn about bus manufacturing, Wrightbus said in a statement. The week-long visit was part of a skills exchange programme between the two companies.

The exchange stems from a multi-million-pound agreement announced in 2024, under which Wrightbus is supplying hundreds of buses to Go-Ahead over three years. The agreement included funding for training and apprenticeships.

During the visit, the apprentices followed the manufacturing process from start to finish. They visited the chassis shop, paintshop, composites and repair centre, and attended sessions on production, engineering and planning. They also learned about route analysis, stress analysis and body planning.

Wrightbus employees have previously spent time at Go-Ahead depots in London and Oxford to learn about bus maintenance and servicing.

Two apprentices commented on the experience. Harvey, a second-year engineering apprentice with Go North East, said technicians usually only see buses five, 10 or 15 years into their life cycle, so it was useful to see them brand new and understand quality control. Will, another Go-Ahead apprentice, said he was particularly interested in the electric side, which he had not had much exposure to.

Christian Reynolds, Managing Director of Wrightbus, said the exchange was an opportunity to share expertise and strengthen relationships. He said apprentices are a key part of the business and industry, and Wrightbus was delighted to welcome the Go-Ahead teams.

Richard Harrington, Head of Learning and Development at the Go-Ahead Group, said he drew on more than 40 years of experience in the transport industry when designing the apprenticeship scheme. He said visiting a factory where buses are built helps apprentices understand how components are structured and seeing the interface between body, chassis and driveline is an educational opportunity he wished he had earlier in his career.

More than 90 per cent of the buses covered by the Go-Ahead agreement will be zero-emission vehicles. Wrightbus said the exchange demonstrates how its Ballymena operation contributes to the development of engineering skills across the transport industry.