Ciara McIlroy talks to nijobfinder and tells us how she became an Engineering Apprentice at Translink and offers advice to anyone looking to follow a similar career path.
How Ciara became an Engineering Apprentice at Translink
Give a brief outline of your career to date.
After completing my A-levels at school, I studied Business (HNC). Although I found Business interesting, I realised that I didn’t like the idea of sitting in an office five days a week. Therefore, I began looking for another career path which led to an NVQ in beauty, as it was a hands-on job. Once qualified, I moved to Australia, it was there that I realised I was more suited to a career working outdoors. Railway life appealed to me so I completed some courses to pursue a career in the Australian railways.
I qualified as a level 2.2 Hand Signaler before progressing to a level 3.1 Track Force Coordinator (safety). Following this, I was offered a job to work in the Engineering Department, maintaining track in the north-west of Melbourne. This enabled me to work both in the office and out on the track as a Track Support Officer. After a year in Australia I decided to come home. It was then that the opportunity to pursue a career in Engineering with Translink arose.
Is this what you always wanted to do?
I didn’t know what I wanted to do but I knew I wanted an active job. Once I commenced training as a Heavy Vehicle Technician I knew I was in the right place.
Were there any particular qualifications or experience needed?
To get into the Translink apprenticeship programme I needed 5 GCSEs to successfully pass an aptitude test and to undergo an interview.
Are there alternative routes into the job?
You can go to college to study Heavy Vehicle qualifications then apply as a qualified Fitter when jobs become available.
What are the best and most challenging aspects of the job?
I find the job very interesting, the best part is getting involved in engine services and changing brake discs/pads. The more you do them the easier it gets. For me, the most challenging part of the job has been building up my strength as the parts are heavier than a light vehicle but I am getting stronger and all I have to do is ask for help to lift something I feel is too heavy.
What advice would you give to anyone looking to follow a similar career path?
If this is a career you really want to get into, then don’t give up. There are lots of courses provided by colleges which can help upskill you for an engineering role. Don’t let other opinions stop you from pursuing your chosen career.
Translink is currently recruiting Engineering Apprentices
Translink is currently looking for Engineering Apprentices for its 2020 Engineering Programme. Translink have identified 13 opportunities for structured 4-year apprenticeships in Bus Engineering and one opportunity for a structured 4-year apprenticeship in Rail Engineering which will commence in September 2020.
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