Transport Training Services’ Debut Level 4 Advanced Automotive Studies Course Well-Received
Transport Training Services (TTS) has recently launched its first Level 4 Certificate in Advanced Automotive Studies programme. Developed in collaboration with the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) and industry experts, this comprehensive course aims to elevate qualified technicians to advanced diagnostic technician/engineer level.
The part time course is led by experienced TTS automotive trainer, Damien Lowry, and the programme offers practical training tailored to meet the demands of today's automotive sector.
Damien had this to say:
“Level 4 Advanced Automotive Studies at TTS began with the idea that learning and training should not finish when you qualify at level 3. We hope to provide a progression route for our past apprentices and others to become highly skilled and knowledgeable, who can potentially move into senior roles in the workshop.
We see this demand from technicians for information and training during our regular visits to workshops, so I’m pleased we are now able to provide this high quality training for all technicians who are as passionate about the motor industry as we are.
Technicians can expect to learn fundamental diagnostic skills along with more advanced and current methods. We hope to take the guesswork out of diagnosing vehicle faults, so our technicians have the confidence and knowledge to take on and solve any problem.”
The 18-month course, which commenced in February with 11 participants coming to the TTS training centre every other Tuesday evening, is already being well received. Positive feedback has been coming in, including this from one Wrightbus employee who is enrolled on the course:
“I just wanted to say thanks for tonight’s class and to say how great it is to have trainers who obviously enjoy their job and are up to speed with all its aspects. I can honestly say that you guys are miles ahead of any tech class that I have ever attended.”
The next TTS intake for this course will be in September 2024. To register your interest, please contact TTS on 028 9082 5653 or mail@transporttraining.org.
TTS Unveils Exciting NEW Level 4 Certificate in Advanced Automotive Studies!
Rev up your career with our latest offering: the Level 4 Certificate in Advanced Automotive Studies, perfect for ambitious technicians eager to accelerate their career.
This part-time Level 4 vocational qualification serves as a natural progression for those who have already successfully attained Level 3 automotive qualifications in maintenance, propelling them to advanced diagnostic technician/engineer level.
Developed by the Institute of the Motor Industry (the IMI) in collaboration with employers, professional bodies, and training providers, this practical, and engaging programme isn't just about learning – it's about mastering the skills demanded by today's automotive sector, equipping you with the expertise needed for success in light and heavy vehicle maintenance.
Our program doesn't just focus on technical know-how; it's designed to cultivate broader transferable skills that are valuable across the entire retail motor industry.
Criteria for Entry to the Programme
- Must be 19 years old or older, having previously completed an automotive apprenticeship or a full Level 3 qualification relevant to the field
- Prior knowledge and experience in diagnosing and rectifying vehicle system faults would be advantageous
- GCSEs in Maths and English at grades A*-C are recommended
Mid-Week and Weekend Study Options, starting:
Tuesday 20th February - every other week 18:00 - 21:00
Saturday 2nd March - monthly 09:00 - 16:00
The program is expected to take 18 months to complete.
To check eligibility or to find out more, please contact us on 028 9082 5653 or mail@transporttraining.org
Transport Training Services Proud to be a Social Enterprise – What Does This Mean?
Social enterprises are organisations that combine the best of both worlds: making a positive impact on society while running a successful business. Transport Training Services (TTS) is proud to be a social enterprise and we differentiate ourselves from other training providers, foremost, because we are a social enterprise – it is a powerful unique selling point.
We exist not just to make money, but also to address an important social issue – to promote and advance the education, development and training of persons employed or intending to be employed in the automotive, transport and logistics industries in Northern Ireland. Choosing TTS as your training provider is a decision that not only benefits the individuals that we train, but also contributes to positive change for these sectors, securing the future workforce.
Positive Impact
Social enterprises measure their success by the positive impact they create, not just the money they earn. In our case, success isn't just about the number of courses we sell or the number of apprentices we train. It is how many lives we improve by providing the necessary training for our students to access employment opportunities and career advancement, as well as the difference we make to industry by providing relevant and high quality skills.
Reinvesting in Facilities, Staff & Training Programmes
Unlike traditional businesses that often focus on maximising profits for their owners, social enterprises reinvest their profits back into their mission. Our corporate customers appreciate our reinvestment in facilities, staff and class-leading training; and our apprentices benefit from our pastoral support, which goes far beyond the industry norm.
Translating Value to Performance
We regularly survey our customers (apprentices and corporate customers) on a range of topics including quality of teaching, teaching methods, facilities and support received, and across the board respondents are highly satisfied. You can trust that you're choosing a service provider with a proven track record of meeting customer expectations. Click here to read some of our survey results and customer testimonials!
And while we have focused on the quality of service provision, the numbers have followed. TTS is consistently the largest provider of apprenticeship training to automotive, transport and logistics in NI with around 30% marketshare. 2023 apprentice intake is in the region of 130, which is the largest single intake in our history and takes total apprentices across all year groups close to 300, which is an all-time high.
To facilitate this growth, we have increased our team by 20% in the past year, and have an initial plan to expand our facilities to keep pace with this growth.
Another measure of service quality is that TTS is constantly attracting new customers. One recent example is that we are now the chosen apprentice trainer for Toyota/Lexus across NI. This new partnership, which launched in June, joins other manufacturer academies including Ford, Kia and Stellantis (the largest motor group in the world, which includes brands such as Peugeot, Citroen, Vauxhall, Fiat, Jeep and Maserati).
TTS is engaging the workforce of today and building the workforce of tomorrow for the sectors that we serve, demonstrating that a social enterprise can excel in customer satisfaction and sustain growth whilst also achieving social and community impact.
3 Reasons All Age Apprenticeships Benefit the Transport Sector
Transport Training Services (TTS) was proud host to the Department for the Economy (DfE) on Thursday 7th September, where All Age Apprenticeships were formally announced. The new initiative expands DfE funded apprenticeships to those aged 25 and over (previously apprenticeships under the DfE ApprenticeshipsNI scheme were limited to those aged 16 to 24). TTS expects the new initiative to revolutionise the apprenticeship landscape for the transport and logistics sector by providing employers with new ways to develop talent, both from within their existing workforces and from wider labour market.
1. Upskilling of Existing Employees
All Age Apprenticeships present a unique opportunity for transport sector employers to invest in the professional development of their existing workforce. Although TTS is best known for its technical apprenticeships such as vehicle technician and body repair programmes, the social enterprise also delivers a range of team leading, management, customer service, warehousing / supply chain and parts / aftersales advisor apprenticeships. These DfE funded programmes are prime for upskilling existing employees who previously weren’t eligible for apprenticeships due to their age.
2. Expanding LGV Driver Training Apprenticeships
All Age Apprenticeships can support transport operators facing shortages of LGV drivers by providing a cost-effective training scheme. Historically the LGV driver apprenticeship was stifled by the age cap of 24 due to the difficulties associated with insuring younger drivers, but with the age restrictions lifted, employers can now tap into a new funded training to ensure a steady pipeline of skilled LGV drivers for the future.
3. A Powerful Lever for Diversity & Inclusion
At the launch event, the DfE’s Head of Skills and Education, Moira Doherty, explained "[An All Age Apprenticeship] provides a powerful lever for inclusion as it gives opportunities for people to re-enter the workforce or change career who might have thought an apprenticeship was no longer an option.”
TTS has long been a champion of getting more females into transport and logistics careers, particularly through its ‘Women in Wheels NI’ initiative, and believes that All Age Apprenticeships can support women - mothers returning to work specifically - to acquire new skills and embark on fulfilling careers.
Speaking at the launch event, Michael Strain, CEO of TTS, said:
“TTS welcomes the department’s decision to launch All Age Apprenticeships and recognises the opportunities this presents for people to upskill or reskill into a rewarding career in the automotive, transportation and logistics industries that we currently work in. This now means that apprenticeships in the transport sector are no longer just for school leavers. The launch of All Age Apprenticeships opens up funded training for all across our industry, creating a win-win scenario for the employer, employee and the economy. We look forward to delivering apprenticeships to people of all ages across Northern Ireland in the coming months and years.”
To find out more about any TTS apprenticeship, please contact Robert Deignan, Careers Development Officer, on tel 028 9082 5653 or via email at robertd@transporttraining.org.
BREAKING NEWS - DfE Launches All Age Apprenticeships!
The Department for the Economy (DfE) formally announced the introduction of All Age Apprenticeships on Thursday 7th September, which aims to "provide opportunities for more people to embark on a career of their choice". The new initiative expands DfE funded apprenticeships to those aged 25 and over.
TTS was honoured to host the DfE at its Nutts Corner training facility for the official launch at which the Department’s Head of Skills and Education, Moira Doherty, said:
“Apprenticeships are an excellent way to develop talent and offer real benefits to both the individual and the employer. This new initiative will significantly widen access to skilled jobs across our economy and increase the supply skills...I encourage employers to consider how apprenticeships can be central to developing their future talent pipeline, which is essential to long term growth. I also urge those thinking of a career change or re-engaging with the labour market to consider how an apprenticeship can open doors to a new career, and allow them to gain industry-relevant skills whilst earning a wage.”
Michael Strain, CEO of TTS, added:
“TTS welcomes the department’s decision to launch All Age Apprenticeships and recognises the opportunities this presents for people to upskill or reskill into a rewarding career in the automotive, transportation and logistics industries that we currently work in. This now means that apprenticeships in the Transport Sector are no longer for school leavers. The launch of All Age Apprenticeships opens up funded training for all across our industry, creating a win-win scenario for the employer, employee and the economy. We look forward to delivering apprenticeships to people of all ages across Northern Ireland in the coming months and years.”
To find out more about any TTS apprenticeship, please contact Robert Deignan, Careers Development Officer, on tel 028 9082 5653 or via email at robertd@transporttraining.org.
Job Vacancy: Automotive Trainer(s)
Due to growing demand for our Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Apprenticeship training programmes, we are recruiting additional Automotive Trainers to join our team (light and heavy vehicle trainers).
If you have a passion for all things automotive, you have been working in the trade for at least 5 years post-qualification and would like to pass on your skills and knowledge to a new group of apprentices, we’d love to hear from you.
To view the full job specification and to find out how to apply, click here.
Closing date for applications: Friday 28th July 2023 at 3:00pm
Transport Training Services Adds Evening Courses to Timetable
In response to customer demand, Transport Training Services (TTS) has added a range of training courses to a new evening timetable at its Nutts Corner training centre.
Initially these courses will include IMI accredited training on electric/hybrid vehicles and automotive refrigerant handling (FGas), both of which are for qualified vehicle technicians. It is expected that other courses will be added later in the year, to offer a greater level of flexibility for employers and self-funding career-driven individuals.
The new schedule will commence in early March. Find dates at the following links:
IMI Level 3 Award Automotive Refrigerant Handling Course
IMI Level 3 & Level 4 Award Electric/Hybrid Vehicle Upskill Training
Driver CPC is also available on Saturdays.
TTS is committed to supporting the transport industry in filling skills gaps that have arisen from new vehicle technology and the drive to transition to zero emission vehicles.
The social enterprise has recently expanded its team of technical trainers in order to develop its training schedule and to bring additional specialist skills to the organisation.
To book, please contact us on mail@transporttraining.org or call 028 9082 5653.
TTS Wins Customer Service Excellence Award at Transport Industry Event
Transport Training Services (TTS) has been recognised for its customer support at the annual Export & Freight Transport & Logistics Awards. In an exceptionally well subscribed category, TTS won the ‘Excellence in Customer Service' award, sponsored by Close Brothers Commercial Finance.
The awards judges said TTS was a clear winner ‘demonstrating that a social enterprise can excel in customer satisfaction and sustain growth whilst also achieving social and community impact.’
TTS was presented with the award at a glittering ceremony at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in South Belfast, an event attended by almost 600 guests from all sectors of the transport and logistics industry and compered by BBC NI News presenter Sarah Travers and Actor and Comedian Tim McGarry.
Organised by the Hillsborough based publishers of Export & Freight magazine, 4SM (NI) Ltd, the event, returning after a two year absence because of the Covid-19 pandemic, is Ireland’s premier platform of recognition for those operating in the industry; it celebrates all the hard work, determination, and ongoing investment that make the industry what it is today.
TTS regularly surveys its customers (apprentices and professional development clients) on a range of topics including quality of teaching, teaching methods, facilities and support received, and across the board respondents are highly satisfied.
TTS Driver Training Competition Winner Passes Test!
In recognition of the need to get new drivers into the sector, we recently gave away a free driver training course to support one lucky winner to get qualified and start a new career. To enter the competition, entrants had to comment on a TTS Facebook post, telling us why they should win.
We are very pleased to announce that Rozelle Mulligan, who won the competition, has successfully achieved a Category C (Class 2) licence and passed Module 4 CPC.
The judges for the competition felt that Rozelle was a worthy winner because she "made a real effort in attending the Women in Wheels NI event and spoke with emotion and a drive to succeed".
Congratulations to Rozelle and we wish her all the best for the future!
Win a Free Driver Training Course!
In recognition of the need to get new drivers into the sector, Transport Training Board for NI is giving away a FREE driver training course to support one lucky winner to get qualified and start a new career.
To be in with a chance of winning, click here to visit our Facebook page. All you need to do is:
- Like the competition post
- Like or follow our Facebook page
- Comment below the post telling us why you should win
The winner will receive a free driver training course of their choice (truck or bus). ALL other competition entrants will be eligible for a £100 discount on a driver training course with TTS.
The competition closes on 18th July at 5PM.
Terms and conditions can be found at: https://www.transporttraining.org/competitiontc/
Good luck!