Technician Apprentice (Belfast)

ABOUT CAF

Innovation is in our DNA - we thrive on pushing boundaries and adapting to new challenges with a flexible approach. Proud to be a global leader, our fast-paced growth provides exciting opportunities for our team and the community.

Committed to maintaining trains and trams, our mission is to enhance vehicle safety and reliability. Our ultimate goal is to deliver a comfortable, dependable, and sustainable commuting experience for all passengers.

Based out of multiple locations across the UK, our 24/7 operation means we’re always on hand to deliver reliable technical support. Utilising the latest digital technology, we strive to enhance dependability, helping people to get to where they need to be!

We wouldn’t be where we are without our people. Working together as a team, we strive to achieve great things while supporting each other to thrive along the way. We’re going places, so apply today and become part of our exciting journey.

Are you interested in developing problem solving, engineering and fault-finding skills and experience? CAF Rail UK are looking for apprentices to join our team in Belfast to learn how to carry out fault diagnosis and repair of our state-of-the-art fleet of DMUs (Diesel Multiple Units) in operation in Northern Ireland. Successful candidates will become qualified as Auto Electrical Technicians with additional training in mechanical aspects to support the requirements of the role.

About CAF Rail UK

CAF Rail UK is a world class leader in the international market for the design, manufacture, maintenance and supply of equipment and components for railway systems. With over 100 years of experience, you would be joining a global community, recognised for their versatility, flexibility and the ability to constantly adapt and innovate. Employing over 400 people at multiple locations across the UK, CAF are excited to be a growing organisation in the UK rail industry.

Built on excellence, trust and sustainability, CAF value innovative people who are passionate about working together as a team to contribute to the success of CAF and achieve great things. With CAF you can develop a rewarding career in the rail industry, where you can be proud of where you work and what you do. You will be a valued member of the team and supported to be your best within the CAF community.

Apprenticeship Summary

Annual salary:

£21,230 per annum.

Benefits:

CAF Rail UK offer generous annual leave, a Bike2Work scheme, generous pension contributions, access to a supportive Employee Assistance Programme, a health care cash plan, Company paid sick leave scheme, life assurance, and access to wealth management & financial workshops.

Working Pattern:

Apprentices will work a 37.5-hour week across four days, with normal working hours of 07:00 to 16:20, including a 30-minute paid break. Shifts alternate between Monday-Thursday and Tuesday-Friday, providing flexibility across the team adn a regular three-day weekend. Training centre hours may vary but will remain within the hours stated above.

Location:

The apprenticeship will be delivered through a mix of classroom & practical training at the training centre, supported by practical experience in the workplace at one of the CAF engineering facilities.

• Training Centre: Transport Training Services, Nutts Corner, Crumlin
• CAF: Adelaide / York Road / Fortwilliam, Belfast

Expected apprenticeship duration: 3 Years

Apprenticeship start date: August 2026

Apprenticeship Level: IMI Level 3 Diploma in Auto and Mobile Electrical

What will I be doing?

Working in a close knit and collaborative team, apprentices will be working alongside the existing Technicians to support daily engineering operations ensuring the fleet of trains perform to a high standard and are available for passenger service.

The successful applicants will develop and make use of engineering skills, to carry out corrective maintenance on the vehicles in the engineering facilities at York Road, Adelaide and Fortwilliam in Belfast. The role involves working on depot, within a workshop environment and outside on stationary units on track sidings.

How will I be trained and what qualification will I get at the end?

The Apprenticeship Programme will follow the following format:

Years 1 to 3 – Recurring 8-week blocks with one week at the training centre followed by 7 weeks at a CAF site.

At the end of the 3-year Apprenticeship you will have the following qualifications:

• IMI Level 2 Diploma in Auto Electrical and Mobile Electrical Competence (& principles)
• IMI Level 3 Diploma in Auto Electrical and Mobile Electrical Competence ( & principles)

What is the expected career progression after this apprenticeship?

The successful candidates will become qualified Auto Electrical Technicians. Additional training will be provided to understand basic mechanical principles. On successful completion of the apprenticeship, you will have the opportunity to take on a role as a Corrective Technician in one of the Belfast depots or on one of our other projects.

Required qualifications and personal qualities:

**Department for the Economy eligibility criteria are applicable to this appointment.**

• GCSE grade C or above in English and Maths (predicted grades accepted with supporting evidence)
• GCSE grade C or above in physics or an engineering/technology subject (desired)
• Strong IT skills. Proficient in MS Office
• You must also be an organised individual with strong communication skills and a high degree of attention to detail.
• Fantastic candidates will be efficient, adaptable, cooperative, proactive, reliable & trustworthy and be able to provide examples of where they have had to show these qualities

ABOUT WHAT WE OFFER 

A Real Living Wage employer and proud signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant, RSSB Mental Health Charter and Women in Rail EDI Charter, we’ve a lot to shout about at CAF.

Creating a culture of inclusivity and belonging is really important to us and we’re proud to offer our people a range of benefits to support wellbeing including 25 days annual leave, an excellent workplace pension scheme (with up to 10% contribution from us), not forgetting to mention our generous health care cash plan and Bike2Work scheme just to name a few!

Looking for career development? Our Professional Sponsorship scheme will help you to achieve your goals while our Flexible Working policy and Family Friendly culture mean everyone is supported to thrive at CAF. 

As a socially responsible business, we offer paid volunteering days and promote a variety of social value initiatives, including tree-planting, company-wide donation drives, and providing support to the homeless community and refugees. We’re creating waves of positive change through delivering meaningful social value impact on and off the tracks!