Engineering the Future: Meet the Master Technician Powering Electric Buses in Yorkshire

“I’ve always loved learning how things work,” he says. “When I was at school I used to spend a lot of time at my friend’s parent’s plant business, playing with the machinery. I love machines. Even when I’m doing the computer element now, it still feels like playing. It’s still fun.”

After gaining Level 3 and Level 4 qualifications in hybrid and electric vehicle technology, and working with manufacturers on electric vehicle development, Andy joined First Bus four and a half years ago. Initially employed as an electrician at Bramley Depot, he later helped shape the Master Technician role, supporting depots with complex technical challenges and mentoring colleagues as the business transitioned to electric vehicles

A transition that felt right

When he heard Bramley was going to be electrified, Andy didn’t hesitate: “Brilliant. It felt like we were catching up with other big cities. It’s investment in Yorkshire, from the business and from government. When a company is willing to invest that much in infrastructure and vehicles, it’s a good sign for us as a region.”

But for Andy, electrification wasn’t just professionally exciting, it was personal: “It fits with what I believe in. We need to think about our impact on the planet. For me, it’s about protecting our environment and the future for my children.”

Living and working in Leeds, he understands the role transport plays in shaping the environment around families and communities.

“You look at the next generation and think, what are we leaving behind? If we can run cleaner vehicles, reduce pollution and move people more sustainably, that’s something to be proud of. I want my kids to grow up knowing we made the right decisions.”

For Andy, this isn’t just engineering for engineering’s sake: “It’s engineering with a purpose.”

What’s really changed?

From a technical perspective, the fundamentals remain: “The wheels, brakes and suspension don’t change, the thing that makes it roll is still the same. The biggest difference is the drivetrain. You’re replacing a big, noisy combustion engine with a quiet electric motor and batteries.”

Fuel systems and oil maintenance are gone. Instead of monitoring fuel pressure, engineers may now be reviewing resistance values through diagnostic software. The tools are evolving, but the problem-solving mindset remains.

“It’s nothing to be scared of. Fundamentally, a lot of it is still nuts and bolts and wires. The propulsion is different, but engineers will still enjoy their work.”

There is, however, a stronger emphasis on safety and professionalism. High-voltage systems require structured training, specialist PPE and rigorous processes.

“With the training comes awareness, how to cordon an area off, how to make it safe. It’s raised the bar.”

Investing in people

Every technician at the depot has undertaken electric vehicle training, ensuring safe and confident working practices across the team

As a Level 4 qualified specialist, Andy plays a key role in mentoring others: “My job is to bring people along on the journey. Sometimes someone might feel like they don’t understand something, but we break the task down and work through it together. There’s nothing to be afraid of.”

He works closely with apprentices, helping them build confidence as well as competence: “Be open-minded and willing to learn. It’s hard work, but it’s fulfilling. It’s varied and interesting, and there are so many opportunities.”

For Andy, the biggest buzz still comes from solving the problems others can’t: “I love getting that phone call saying, ‘We can’t fix this.’ Then I go and find the answer. That feeling of pride and confidence, that’s everything. And I love sharing that with others.”

A different kind of workshop

At fully electric depots, the difference is tangible: “There are no fuel spills or oil spills. You don’t need extraction equipment running for exhaust gases. It’s quieter, not silent, you’ve still got banging and drilling, but it’s cleaner and calmer.”

For customers, the benefits are visible too: “They’re fantastic for customers — smooth, quiet, clean.”

Engineering for the next generation

Bus engineering today looks very different to a decade ago: “Ten years ago, you’d listen to a diesel engine and know what the fault was. Now we’re figuring out what the new version of that skill is.”

The profession is evolving; more analytical, more digital, more future-focused. And for Andy, that evolution matters.

Electrification isn’t just about new vehicles or new technology. It’s about leaving things better than he found them, for the communities he serves, and for his own children.