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Careers with Translink

APPRENTICESHIPS

Translink, operating as Ulsterbus, Metro, Northern Ireland Railways and NITHCo, provide bus and rail services across Northern Ireland. 

We operate 1410 buses alongside 47 trains, providing the Northern Ireland public with comprehensive Public Transport services. In addition, we own a wide range of infrastructure assets including 400+ bridges, 360 signals, 170 railway level crossings as well as halts, stations, park & rides sites and integrated transport hubs.

It is an ever-changing environment and key projects are continually evolving as we transform the face of public transport in Northern Ireland. This extensive network requires modern and varied engineering facilities which are located throughout the province.

Applications now closed for 2023 Apprenticeship Opportunities

Due to commence Nov / Dec 2023.

We have 7 opportunities across the following locations – Belfast area, Craigavon, Derry/Londonderry, Enniskillen and Newry.

Engineering Apprenticeships - Body Trades

Please register an account and subscribe to job alerts for 2024 Apprenticeship opportunities and follow us on social media.

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School Summit

Monday 2nd – Tuesday 3rd October 2023 1030am – 2pm

Balmoral Business Park – Eikon Exhibition Centre

11 Halftown Road, Lisburn BT27 5RF

We operate 1410 buses alongside 47 trains

What is an Apprenticeship

An apprenticeship is a real job offering hands on experience, comprehensive training and a technical qualification all whilst earning a salary. They involve a combination of working and learning on site for 4 days a week whilst attending college on one day to complete a formal qualification. 

All our Apprentices are fully employed by Translink from the first day of their apprenticeship with a contract of employment, paid holidays and many other competitive benefits. As an apprentice you will be working with experienced staff and learning from colleagues across all levels of the business. 

Apprentice performance is consistently monitored and appraised. Completing an apprenticeship with Translink will equip you with skills for life as well as enabling you to secure permanent employment and gain a professional qualification. 

Anyone aged 16 or over can become an Apprentice, there is no upper age limit, however, due to track safety reasons, Infrastructure and Projects Apprentices will need to be aged 18 or over.  

Bus & Rail Engineering Apprenticeships

In order to maintain and develop the highest standards of engineering, we have identified 20 opportunities for structured 4-year Apprenticeships which will commence in September 2023.
This Translink Apprenticeship Programme will give you the skills, knowledge and behaviours to become an Engineer.

Career Routes

We currently have engineering apprenticeships available across Northern Ireland in the following trades:

  • Bus Engineering - Technical Trades
  • Bus Engineering - Body Trades
  • Rail Engineering - Technician Traction and Rolling Stock

For further information on our Engineering Apprenticeship opportunities check out our 2023 Apprenticeship Booklet.

Apprenticeship booklet - PDF (6mb) | Apprenticeship booklet - Word (6mb)

Infrastructure & Projects Apprenticeships

The Translink Infrastructure and Projects department manages, monitors, maintains and reviews all infrastructure and projects that support NI Railways, Ulsterbus, Metro and Glider services. Translink Infrastructure and Projects teams are involved from the inception planning stage right through to construction and completion of projects and play a vital role in the successful delivery of key developments, including the award-winning North-West Multimodal Transport Hub. Weavers Cross and the new world class Belfast Grand Central Station are key infrastructure regeneration projects, delivering both spatial and social regeneration, as well as encouraging and enabling a modal shift away from private cars as a primary means of travel.

Apprenticeship Routes

As an Apprentice you will be employed by Translink and the opportunities are varied:

  • Civil/Structural Engineering 
  • Railway Engineering (Track)
  • Telecoms and Electrical Engineering (Signalling and Telecoms)

For further information on our previous Rail and Bus Engineering Apprenticeship opportunities check out our 2023 Apprenticeship Booklet.

2023 Apprenticeship booklet - PDF (6819kb) | 2023 Apprenticeship booklet - Word (24kb)

A Day in the Life of an Apprentice

Meet two of our apprentices Caragh Woods, and Aaron Reid.
Caragh Woods

I have always had an interest in Engineering and I thought this Apprenticeship would be a great way to earn while you learn and obtain valuable on the job experience, all while working for a great company.

Read more here.

Apprentice Caragh Woods
Aaron Reid

Be curious every single day, there is so much to learn, and it is important to always stay curious and be hands on.

Read more here.

Apprentice Aaron Reid

Apprentice Profiles

Minimum Criteria

Bus & Rail Engineering Apprentices

  • Aged 16 years or over on or before 1st August 2023
  • Minimum of 5 GCSE’s at grade C or above (or equivalent qualification) including Maths and English, or be expecting to achieve these by August 2023
  • Experience of using Microsoft Office packages
  • Able to demonstrate examples of a practical hands-on approach
  • Team player with a positive attitude 
  • Committed, self-motivated and willing to respond to the needs of the Apprenticeship scheme
  • Excellent communication skills 
  • Understand how to provide an excellent customer service

Infrastructure & Projects Apprentices

  • Aged 18 years or over (on or before the 1st August 2023 and by 1st September 2023 for Civil and Structural Engineering
  • All applicants require a minimum of five GCSEs at Grade C or above (or equivalent qualification) including English and Maths or be expecting to receive these by August 2023
  • Proof of Qualifications will be required as well as reference fo school or college
  • Applicants to self-enrol/register on courses and provide confirmation of reservation with college/university for September 2023
  • Applicants must have experience of using Microsoft Office packages
  • Able to demonstrate examples of a practical hands-on approach
  • Team player with a positive attitude
  • Committed, self-motivated and willing to respond to the needs of the Apprenticeship scheme
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Understand how to provide an excellent customer service

Recruitment Process

  1. Online application form
  2. Online aptitude tests
  3. Interview
  4. Pre-employment reference and medical checks (if successful)

Why should you apply to our Apprenticeship Scheme?

Pension Scheme
Attractive NILGOSC Pension Scheme.
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Career Progression
Career progression and personal development.
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Employee Benefits
Opportunity to join Employee Benefits Scheme offering you discounts from local retailers and service providers including restaurants, gym membership, hotels, cinemas etc.
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Gain Experience
Gain experience and a professionally accredited qualification at the same time at no monetary cost to you!
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Annual Leave & Public Holidays
Minimum of 25 days annual leave and set public holidays (pro rata).
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Training
Practical on-the-job training.
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Training Salary
Receive a weekly training salary.
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