TTS Launch Motorcycle Maintenance and Repair Apprenticeship Programme
Launching Our Motorcycle Maintenance & Repair Apprenticeship Programme
We are delighted to announce the launch of our Motorcycle Maintenance & Repair Apprenticeship Programme, providing an exciting opportunity for aspiring motorcycle technicians to develop the skills, knowledge and experience needed to build a successful career in the motorcycle industry.
Funded by the Department for the Economy, this apprenticeship combines hands-on workplace experience with industry-recognised training, helping learners earn while they learn and gain the expertise employers are looking for.
A Career Built on Practical Skills
The motorcycle industry continues to evolve, with modern motorcycles incorporating increasingly sophisticated mechanical, electrical and diagnostic systems. Skilled technicians play a vital role in keeping riders safe by ensuring motorcycles are maintained, serviced and repaired to the highest standards.
Our apprenticeship has been designed for individuals who are passionate about motorcycles and keen to pursue a rewarding technical career. Apprentices will gain experience working alongside industry professionals while developing the practical skills required to succeed in a busy workshop environment.
What Will Apprentices Learn?
Throughout the programme, apprentices will develop a broad range of technical competencies, including:
- Motorcycle servicing and routine maintenance
- Inspection and diagnostic techniques
- Engine, chassis, steering and suspension systems
- Braking systems, wheels and tyres
- Electrical and hydraulic systems
- Fault identification and repair procedures
- The use of manufacturer technical information
- Safe use of tools and workshop equipment
- Legal, environmental and health & safety requirements within the industry
Training is delivered through a blend of practical workshop activities, classroom learning and workplace experience, ensuring apprentices develop both the technical knowledge and hands-on skills required by employers.
Industry-Recognised Qualifications
Successful apprentices will work towards nationally recognised qualifications, progressing through Level 2 and ultimately achieving an Advanced Level 3 Apprenticeship. The qualification is awarded by the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI), one of the UK's leading professional bodies for the automotive sector, ensuring apprentices gain credentials that are respected and recognised throughout the industry.
These qualifications are highly valued by employers and can open doors to a wide range of career opportunities across the motorcycle and wider automotive industries, both locally and internationally.
A Future Full of Opportunity
Qualified motorcycle technicians are employed across a wide range of settings, including franchised motorcycle dealerships, independent repair workshops, specialist performance garages and motorcycle service centres.
Beyond qualification, apprentices can continue to develop their careers through specialist technical roles, workshop supervision, service management, sales positions that require technical expertise, or even by establishing their own motorcycle repair business.
Supporting the Next Generation of Technicians
At Transport Training Services, we are committed to developing the next generation of skilled automotive professionals. Through dedicated learner support, modern training facilities and strong partnerships with employers across Northern Ireland, we provide apprentices with the foundation they need to thrive in the industry.
The launch of this new apprenticeship represents an important step in addressing skills needs within the motorcycle sector while creating valuable career opportunities for local people.
Apply Now
If you have a passion for motorcycles, enjoy problem-solving and want to build a career in a dynamic and growing industry, our Motorcycle Maintenance & Repair Apprenticeship could be the perfect route for you.
To learn more about the programme and application process, visit our Motorcycle Technician Apprenticeship page and take the first step towards an exciting career in motorcycle maintenance and repair.
https://transporttraining.org/motorcycle-technician-repair/
Building Work Progressing Well on New Light Vehicle & Motorcycle Workshop Project
Excitement Builds as Our Light Vehicle Workshop Transformation Takes Shape
The excitement is building as we watch the progression of our Light Vehicle Workshop refurbishment and extension. Following the successful opening of our new Heavy Vehicle Workshop in Summer 2025, plans were quickly set in motion to modernise another key part of our training facilities and invest further in the future of automotive apprenticeships.
Our Light Vehicle Workshop has been at the heart of automotive training since the 1960s, supporting generations of apprentices and serving the needs of the wider automotive industry. While various upgrades and modifications have been made over the decades, the time had come for a complete transformation to ensure the facility continues to meet the evolving demands of modern vehicle technology and industry standards.
The ambitious redevelopment project will deliver a fully modernised workshop environment designed to enhance the learning experience for current and future apprentices. As part of the extension, two additional classrooms and new office facilities are being created, providing improved teaching and support spaces for both learners and staff.
One of the most exciting additions is the introduction of a dedicated motorcycle training bay, which will support the launch and growth of our new Motorcycle Technician Repair Apprenticeship programme. This specialist area will provide apprentices with hands-on experience in a purpose-built environment, helping to address growing demand for skilled motorcycle technicians within the sector.
As the automotive industry continues to evolve with advancements in vehicle technology, electrification, diagnostics and repair techniques, it is essential that training facilities keep pace. This investment reflects our ongoing commitment to providing apprentices with access to industry-leading equipment, modern learning environments and practical training opportunities that prepare them for successful careers.
The refurbishment and extension will not only enhance the apprentice experience but also strengthen support for employers across the region. By expanding our training capacity and introducing new specialist facilities, we are helping to develop the skilled workforce needed to support the automotive sector for years to come.
We are delighted with the progress being made and look forward to sharing further updates as the project moves towards completion. Scheduled to open in Autumn 2026, the new-look Light Vehicle Workshop will create even more opportunities for individuals to begin and progress their careers through apprenticeships, while helping the automotive industry access the skilled technicians needed to support future growth. Standing alongside our Heavy Vehicle Workshop, it will further reinforce our commitment to delivering high-quality training that benefits learners, employers and the wider local economy.
Stay tuned for more updates as this exciting development continues to take shape.
Upcoming MPRS & IRTE Information Evening - 30th July 2026
Join Us on 30th for our MPRS Information Evening
In today’s transport and logistics industry, standing still isn’t an option. With increasing scrutiny, evolving regulations, and rising expectations around safety and compliance, operators and workshops must continuously raise their standards to stay competitive.
That’s why Transport Training Services (TTS) is inviting you to a dedicated MPRS & IRTE Information Evening on Thursday 30th July—an event designed to give you clarity, confidence, and practical insight into the future of maintenance standards.
Why Attend?
Whether you manage a workshop, oversee fleet maintenance, or run a commercial vehicle operation, this event is built with your business in mind.
At the centre of the evening is the Maintenance Provision Rating Scheme (MPRS)—an industry-backed initiative supported by the DVSA. MPRS is fast becoming a benchmark for workshop quality, giving independent recognition to facilities that meet high standards of compliance, capability, and professionalism.
Put simply, your MPRS rating says a lot about your business. It demonstrates the quality of your facilities, the competence of your team, and your commitment to operating safely and responsibly.
A strong rating doesn’t just build credibility—it offers a real competitive advantage in a market where trust and reputation matter more than ever.
What You’ll Learn
This isn’t just another presentation—it’s an opportunity to gain practical, relevant insight you can take back to your business straight away.
On the night, you’ll hear from Leo Hubbard of the Society of Operations Engineers (SOE), who will break down:
- What MPRS means in real terms for your workshop
- How IRTE accreditations complement your standards
- What assessors are looking for during audits
- Steps you can take now to improve your rating and compliance
You’ll also have the chance to speak directly with the TTS team, who will be on hand to offer guidance tailored to your specific setup—whether you operate a small in-house workshop or a large-scale maintenance facility.
Event Details
- Date: Thursday, 30th July
- Time: 19:00
- Location: Transport Training Services, 15 Dundrod Road, Nutts Corner, Crumlin, BT29 4SS
- Guest Speaker: Leo Hubbard, SOE
A Valuable Evening for Your Business
The transport industry is placing greater emphasis on accountability and safety than ever before. MPRS plays a key role in driving those standards forward—highlighting best practice while helping identify areas where improvements are needed.
Attending this event will help you:
- Understand how your current workshop measures up
- Identify opportunities to strengthen compliance
- Protect and enhance your business reputation
- Stay ahead of industry expectations
Most importantly, it gives you the knowledge and tools to ensure your operation is working to the highest possible standard.
Reserve Your Place
Places for this information evening are limited, and demand is expected to be high.
To secure your spot:
About Transport Training Services
Transport Training Services is Northern Ireland’s leading provider of automotive apprenticeships, supporting the development of the next generation of transport professionals. Known for delivering high-quality, industry-focused training, TTS consistently achieves Level 3 success rates significantly above the Northern Ireland average.
By combining traditional expertise with modern industry standards, TTS continues to support businesses in improving compliance, strengthening skills, and raising standards across the commercial vehicle sector.
Invest one evening in your business—and take a step towards raising your standards for the future.
TTS Vehicle Show 2026 in aid of MacMillan Cancer Support
🚗 Join Us for an Unforgettable Vehicle Show – Saturday 13th June 2026
Mark your calendars and get ready for a fantastic day out! We’re excited to invite you to our Vehicle Show on Saturday, 13th June 2026, a celebration of automotive passion, community spirit, and it's all for a great cause!
🌟 A Show for Every Enthusiast
Whether you’re a lifelong petrolhead or simply looking for a fun day with family and friends, this event promises something for everyone. You’ll have the chance to explore an incredible variety of vehicles, including:
- Classic and vintage cars – beautifully preserved icons from automotive history
- Sports and supercars – sleek, powerful machines guaranteed to turn heads
- Motorcycles – from timeless classics to modern marvels
- Trucks and commercial vehicles – impressive displays of engineering and scale
- And much more!
🎪 More Than Just Vehicles
This isn’t just a car show—it’s a full day of entertainment for all ages. Alongside the impressive displays, you’ll find:
- Vendor stalls offering a range of products, memorabilia, and refreshments
- Family-friendly activities to keep everyone entertained
Whether you're browsing the stalls, grabbing a bite, or enjoying the activities, there’ll be plenty to see and do throughout the day.
💚 Supporting MacMillan Cancer Support
Most importantly, this event is all about giving back. All donations from the vehicle show will go directly to MacMillan Cancer Support, a charity dedicated to helping people living with cancer and their families. Catherine, a representative from the charity said, "We really appreciate the opportunity to attend this fantastic community event to raise awareness and engage with visitors about the work we do... It will be great to catch up with the team again."
By attending, you’re not only enjoying a great day out—you’re also contributing to a cause that makes a real difference in people’s lives. Every donation helps provide vital support, guidance, and care when it’s needed most.
📅 Save the Date
- Date: Saturday, 13th June 2026
- Time: 10am - 4pm
Bring your friends, bring your family, and come along to enjoy an exciting day filled with incredible vehicles, great company, and meaningful support for a wonderful charity.
🏎️ Register Now
Basic Mechanics Taster Course: An Insight Into Being An Automotive Apprentice at TTS
Inside Our Basic Mechanics Course: Building Skills, Confidence, and Futures
Over the past six Saturday mornings, we’ve had the pleasure of welcoming a brilliant group of aspiring apprentices to our Basic Mechanics Taster Course at TTS. The sessions were designed to give prospective applicants a real taste of what it’s like in a professional workshop, while helping them build the core skills and knowledge needed for a career in engineering and maintenance.
A First Step into the Workshop
For many of our attendees, this was their first time stepping into a professional workshop. From the very beginning, the aim was simple: help everyone feel comfortable in the environment and gain an understanding of how it all works.
We introduced the group to workshop safety, day-to-day procedures, and the importance of staying organised and working precisely—skills that are essential in any technical role.
As the weeks went on, it was great to see confidence grow. Things that felt new at the start quickly became familiar, and participants became more comfortable using tools, tackling tasks, and working both on their own and as part of a team.
Developing Practical Skills
A big part of the course focused on building practical, hands-on skills. Over the six sessions, participants got the chance to:
- Learn how to safely use a range of common hand tools and equipment
- Get to know basic mechanical components and how they work
- Carry out simple maintenance and repair tasks
- Build problem-solving skills through real workshop scenarios
The group also had the opportunity to carry out repair and maintenance tasks on our fleet of training vehicles, giving them valuable experience working on real equipment in a controlled, supportive setting.
We made sure the sessions were as practical as possible. Rather than just watching demonstrations, participants got stuck in themselves—which is often the best way to learn.
Learning from the Experts
One of the highlights of the course was the chance for participants to spend time with our Technical Training Team. Our trainers were on hand throughout, sharing their knowledge, offering guidance, and giving a real insight into how things work in the industry.
Reflecting on the programme, one of our trainers said:
“As one of the trainers, I feel the course not only developed foundational skills in correct tool usage, maintenance procedures, and fault finding, but also played a key role in inspiring learners to consider future careers in the sector. Many participants grew in confidence as they engaged with real-world tasks, showing curiosity, resilience, and a genuine enthusiasm to learn. It was particularly rewarding to see individuals who started with little or no experience leave the course with a clearer sense of direction.”
It wasn’t just about learning technical skills either—participants were encouraged to ask questions, have conversations, and really think about what a future in the automotive industry could look like for them.
A Glimpse into Life as a TTS Apprentice
Alongside the practical work, the course also gave participants a better understanding of what life as a TTS apprentice is all about. We talked through:
- What our apprenticeship programmes involve
- How hands-on training and classroom learning fit together
- The different career paths available
- The support we provide along the way
By the end of the six weeks, participants walked away not just with new skills, but with a much clearer idea of what being an apprentice at TTS could look like.
Looking Ahead
This Basic Mechanics Course has been a great reminder of how important it is to give people the chance to explore technical careers in a supportive, hands-on way. It’s about more than just learning new skills—it’s about building confidence, sparking interest, and helping people take their first steps towards a future career.
We’re incredibly proud of everyone who took part, and a big thank you goes to our training team for delivering such an engaging experience.
For anyone thinking about applying for an apprenticeship with TTS, this course is just the beginning—and we’re excited to see where that journey takes you.
If you’d like to register your interest in taking part in a future course, please fill in the form below.
Course expression of interest
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TTS to Host Apprenticeship Open Day - 16th April 2026
Discover Your Future at the TTS Apprenticeship Open Day
Are you ready to start an exciting career in the motor vehicle, transport, or logistics industries? Join us at Transport Training Services (TTS) for our Open Day on Thursday 16th April, from 4:00pm to 8:00pm, and take the first step towards a skilled, rewarding profession.
TTS is proud to deliver outstanding apprenticeship results, with success rates 20% higher than the Northern Ireland Level 3 Apprenticeship average across all sectors. This means apprentices who train with us are far more likely to complete their qualification and launch successful careers in the industry.
During the Open Day, visitors will have the opportunity to explore our purpose-built training campus, including our brand-new Heavy Vehicle Workshop, which has recently opened to train the next generation of truck and bus technicians. You will also hear about our major redevelopment of the Light Vehicle Workshop, which is currently being completely rebuilt and extended and will open in time for the September 2026 intake of apprentices—creating one of the most modern automotive training environments in Northern Ireland.
This event is designed for:
- Young people considering an apprenticeship
- Parents and carers
- Teachers and careers advisers
- Employers looking to recruit apprentices
One of the most exciting parts of the evening is the chance to meet real employers who will be on site and actively recruiting apprentices. Many companies partner with TTS to find talented young people, and live apprenticeship vacancies are expected to be available on the day.
Our experienced Careers and Technical Training teams will be available throughout the event to explain apprenticeship pathways, answer questions, and guide prospective apprentices through the application process.
TTS is particularly proud of its Apprentice–Employer Matching Service, which connects motivated young people with companies that are ready to invest in the next generation of skilled technicians and transport professionals.
Whether you are a young person looking for a career with real prospects, a parent wanting the best opportunities for your child, or an employer seeking skilled apprentices, this Open Day is the perfect place to start.
Registration is recommended to secure your place. >> BOOK HERE https://transporttraining.org/open-day-registration/
Come along, explore our facilities, meet employers, and discover how an apprenticeship with TTS can launch an exceptional career.
TTS Celebrate the Opening of Brand New Heavy Vehicle Workshop
Celebrating the Opening of Our New Heavy Vehicle Workshop
We are proud to celebrate the official opening of our new Heavy Vehicle workshop at TTS, a landmark investment that reinforces our commitment to delivering world-class technical training for the next generation of automotive professionals.
Representing a significant enhancement to our training estate, the new facility has been purpose-built to provide apprentices with a modern, industry-focused learning environment that reflects the realities of today’s heavy vehicle sector. The scale of the workshop allows it to comfortably accommodate several vehicles from our training fleet simultaneously, including our coach, articulated HGVs and rigid HGVs. This gives apprentices invaluable opportunities to gain hands-on experience across a wide range of vehicle types and systems in a spacious, fully equipped setting that mirrors the environments they will encounter throughout their careers.
Complementing the workshop are two bright, modern classrooms that provide dedicated spaces for apprentices to build their theoretical knowledge, complete assessments and engage in the classroom-based elements of their programmes. Together, these practical and academic learning environments create a comprehensive training experience that supports apprentices at every stage of their development.
This investment demonstrates TTS's determination to provide the highest quality facilities and learning opportunities for our apprentices. As vehicle technology continues to evolve, it is essential that training environments evolve alongside it, ensuring learners develop the skills and knowledge required to meet industry demands both now and in the future.
The successful delivery of this project would not have been possible without the support of Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council, whose partnership, encouragement and investment have played an important role in bringing this impressive facility to life. We are grateful for their commitment to supporting skills development, workforce growth and the continued advancement of technical education within the region.
We would also like to extend our sincere thanks to McCusker Contracts, the principal contractor responsible for delivering the new Heavy Vehicle workshop. Their expertise, professionalism and collaborative approach were instrumental in transforming our vision into a high-quality training facility that will serve learners and industry partners for many years to come. The completed project is a testament to the quality of their work and commitment to excellence. You can learn more about their involvement in the development here: McCusker Contracts | Construction of New HGV Workshop, Nutts Corner.
While the opening of the Heavy Vehicle workshop is a significant achievement in its own right, it also marks the beginning of the next exciting chapter for TTS. Planning is already underway for the development of a brand-new Light Vehicle workshop, which will replace the existing facility that has faithfully served generations of apprentices since the 1960s. This future investment will build on the momentum created by the Heavy Vehicle project and ensure that our learners continue to benefit from modern, industry-leading training facilities for decades to come.
As we celebrate this milestone, we remain focused on our core mission: providing outstanding technical training programmes that equip apprentices with the skills, confidence and experience needed for successful careers in the automotive industry. The new Heavy Vehicle workshop is a powerful statement of that commitment and an exciting investment in the future of our learners and the industries they will go on to serve.
Interested in learning more about our apprenticeship opportunities? Explore our range of automotive programmes, including the Heavy Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Apprenticeship, and discover how TTS is helping to develop the next generation of skilled technicians: Heavy Vehicle Technician Apprenticeship.