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APPRENTICESHIPS

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

We operate 1347 buses alongside 45 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.

Start Your Apprenticeship

Apply online to start your apprenticeship with Translink

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We operate 1347 buses alongside 45 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 NVQ 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 level 3 NVQ qualification. 

Anyone aged 16 or over can become an Apprentice, there is no upper age limit however in some instances you will need to be 18 years old for track safety reasons.  

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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Engineering Apprenticeships

In order to maintain and develop the highest standards of engineering, we have identified 10 opportunities for structured 4-year Apprenticeships which will commence in September 2022.
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

For further information on our Engineering Apprenticeship opportunities check out our 2022 Apprenticeship Booklet.

Apprenticeship booklet - PDF (1mb) | Apprenticeship booklet - Word (1.9mb)

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 and the future Weavers Cross Regeneration.

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

  • Civil Engineering 
  • Structural Engineering 
  • Rail Track Engineering
  • Electrical Engineering (Signalling and Telecoms) 
  • Direct labour including Joinery and Plumbing  

For further information on our previous Rail and Bus Engineering Apprenticeship opportunities check out our 2021 Apprenticeship Booklet.

2021 Apprenticeship booklet - PDF (6819kb) | 2021 Apprenticeship booklet - Word (24kb)

A Day in the Life of an Apprentice

Meet two of our apprentices Kevin Doherty, and Ciara McIlroy.
Ciara McIlroy

"After completing my A-levels at school, I went to Belfast to study Business (HNC). Although I found Business interesting, I realised that I didn’t like the idea of sitting in an office 5 days a week....

More about Ciara

Apprentice Ciara McIlroy working on a bus
Kevin Doherty

"I studied Advertising & Marketing at the University of Ulster where I graduated with a 1st class honours degree. I then worked within the marketing industry as a Marketing Executive for a number of different companies...

More about Kevin

Apprentice Kevin Doherty working on a bus

Apprentice Profile

Minimum Criteria

  • All applicants require a 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 2021. Minimum of grade B in Maths is desirable for Civil and Structural Engineering.
  • Applicants must have experience of using Microsoft Office packages
  • Able to demonstrate a practical hands-on approach
  • Team player with a positive attitude 
  • Hard working, committed, self-motivated and willing to respond to the needs of the Apprenticeship scheme
  • Excellent communication skills 
  • Understand how to provide excellent customer service

Recruitment Process

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