This is our own independent research from public sources. The employer hasn't reviewed, paid for or approved it.
Key figures
- Length of the bus and rail engineering apprenticeships
- 4 years
- Source: Translink (opens in a new tab)
Overview
Translink runs Northern Ireland’s buses, Glider and trains: 1,410 buses, coaches and Gliders and 47 trains, providing about 84 million journeys a year. It trains its own engineers through apprenticeships.
Engineering apprenticeships
Both routes last four years, with four days a week at work and one day at college:
- Technical trades (bus and rail): you complete four NVQs, mechanical and electrical at Level 2, then at Level 3, so you’re skilled in both.
- Body trades: working on bus bodies and fleet, leading to a professional Level 3 NVQ.
There are also infrastructure and projects apprenticeships, covering work like signalling and telecoms, for people aged 18 and over.
Who can apply
Anyone aged 16 or over can apply for bus and rail engineering, and there’s no upper age limit. The body and fleet technician role asks for five GCSEs at grade C or above, including maths and English.
Pay and benefits
Apprentices get a weekly training salary, though Translink doesn’t publish the amount. Benefits include at least 26 days’ annual leave plus public holidays and a NILGOSC pension.
What they do
Translink runs Northern Ireland's buses, coaches, Glider and trains, with 1,410 buses, coaches and Gliders and 47 trains providing about 84 million customer journeys a year. Engineering apprentices work at facilities across Northern Ireland.
Apprenticeships they offer
-
Technical Trades apprenticeship (bus and rail)
Mechanical and electrical maintenance
Four NVQs: mechanical and electrical at Level 2, then at Level 3. Four days a week at work and one at college.
-
Body Trades apprenticeship
Bus body and fleet
Leads to a professional Level 3 NVQ, with one day a week at college.
Career areas
Entry requirements
- Body and Fleet Technician
- At least five GCSEs at grade C or above (or equivalent), including maths and English, or expected by August. An engineering qualification or experience is desirable. From Translink's apprenticeships page.
Who can apply
- Anyone aged 16 or over can apply for bus and rail engineering apprenticeships, with no upper age limit.
- Infrastructure and projects apprenticeships are for people aged 18 and over.
Our tips for Translink
- Choose between technical trades (mechanical and electrical) and body trades: they're different jobs.
- Engineering facilities are across Northern Ireland, so check which depot a role is at.
- Translink pays a weekly training salary but doesn't publish the amount, so ask about it.
Summary
- Translink runs four-year engineering apprenticeships in bus and rail maintenance in Northern Ireland.
- Technical trades apprentices complete four NVQs, at Level 2 then Level 3.
- Anyone 16 or over can apply, with no upper age limit.
- Benefits include at least 26 days' annual leave plus public holidays and a NILGOSC pension.
Questions about Translink apprenticeships
Does Translink do apprenticeships?
Yes. It runs four-year engineering apprenticeships in bus and rail maintenance, in technical trades and body trades, across Northern Ireland.
How long is a Translink apprenticeship?
Four years, with four days a week at work and one day at college.
What qualifications do Translink apprentices get?
Technical trades apprentices complete four NVQs (mechanical and electrical at Levels 2 and 3), and body trades apprentices gain a professional Level 3 NVQ.
Who can apply for a Translink apprenticeship?
Anyone aged 16 or over for bus and rail engineering, with no upper age limit. Read our Northern Ireland guide for how apprenticeships work there.
Sources and review
Last reviewed . Details can change after this date, so check the official source before you rely on them.