Hello,
I am considering a career change and have been offered an apprenticeship for firstbus as PSV technician.
I am curious to know the difference academics wise. Do you get different tickets, is one ‘better’ than the other?
Can a psv tech work on trucks and visa versa?
Your time and answers greatly appreciated!
Oh and sorry if this post is in the wrong place, I couldnt find a ‘general section’.
I worked in the bus industry for 23 years and many of the fitters where ex HGV fitters or did their time on HGV’s 
All the buses now will be auto as after the manual buses from when I started they went to semi automatic but I doubt any major companies run any of these any more.
For instance we had Volvos with B10 similar to wagons.
Though you would get courses to work on hybrid vehicles which are becoming more popular.
I am not a technician but I’ve spent many years in both industries. So I’ll do my best to answer.
Both PSV and HGV share the basics. In fact, some share the same chassis. But eg PSV will include maintenance of the interior seating, floors, heating, air con, catering facilities and on the exterior you have reasonably simple side lockers some of which are now mechanically operated thus more scope to go wrong.
HGV has countless variations of body, tipping gear etc etc. So you could easily get involved in hydraulics etc. Tends to be less interest in the cab interior (quite wrongly IMO).
The MOT’s are similar but not the same.
I know of mechanics who have moved from one “side” to the other with apparently little training.
If you have been offered a start with Firstbus, then surely it makes sense to take that up.
I couldn’t give an opinion on which is better. Personally I know excellent blokes on PSV and HGV and some that I wouldn’t trust with a skateboard.
I don’t know if this is any good - best I can do. Pete 
Cheers so far guys. Really helpful!
Pete fixed my skateboard! 
On the whole PSV fitters are lazy ■■■■■■■■ who begrudge you for defecting a vehicle as it means getting off their fat asses out of a heated office to do what they’re actually paid for.
HGV fitters seem more happy to help.
(n.b. Most PSV fitters attitude instantly changes when you mention ‘private job’ which often takes place using companies time and equipment)
Pete fixed my skateboard!
Image
LOL (cant even copy and paste an image!!)