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 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 to Host Toyota and Lexus Apprenticeship Showcase Event - 9th April
TTS is hosting a Toyota and Lexus GB showcase of both technical and retail apprenticeships on Wednesday 9th April, offering you the opportunity to engage with Toyota and Lexus retailers from across Northern Ireland, in an interactive, face-to-face environment.
It’s the perfect opportunity for school and college leavers, as well as career changers, parents, carers and teachers to discover more about the apprenticeships available across the Toyota and Lexus dealership network in Northern Ireland, and to find out more about the learning available, possible career paths and how the automotive industry is changing.
Transport Training Services and Rutledge Training are the NI delivery partners of choice for Toyota and Lexus GB. Both organisations will be in attendance to showcase the following apprenticeships:
- Business Administration
- Customer Service
- Light Vehicle Technician
- Marketing
If you’re an individual wanting to attend, or a school or college looking to bring a group of students, please click on the below link to register your interest. We look forward to seeing you.
Where?
TTS Transport Training Services, 15 Dundrod Road, Crumlin BT29 4SS, Northern Ireland,
T: 028 9082 5653;
E: mail@transporttraining.org
When?
Wednesday 9 April, 2-8pm – stay as long as you like, grab a snack and a drink and ask lots of questions!
How do I register?
To register to attend, please click here.
TTS to Host Apprenticeship Open Day - 14th April
TTS is holding an Open Day on Monday 14th April to provide prospective apprentices and apprentice employers with information about courses available.
Attendees will find out about the range of apprenticeships and career opportunities available within the motor vehicle, transport & logistics sectors across Northern Ireland.
As well as those interested in an apprenticeship for themselves, the event is also open to parents/guardians of young people considering an apprenticeship, teachers/careers advisors and any company that currently employs apprentices or would like to find out about employing apprentices.
The Open Day will provide an opportunity for those interested in learning about apprenticeships in motor, transport and logistics to visit to TTS's purpose-built training campus to speak to its Careers and Technical Training teams, engage with employers, and register as an applicant.
TTS prides itself on its apprentice-employer matching service, that seeks to match prospective apprentices with employers who are recruiting for apprentices. TTS expects to have live vacancies available that can be applied for on the day.
Registration to attend this event is advised.
To register to attend, please click here.
Revolutionising Professional Development: TTS Leads the Charge with All Age Apprenticeships
TTS is now offering fully funded training programmes in the form of All Age Apprenticeships designed to upskill new or existing automotive sector staff. Existing staff may undertake apprenticeships if there is a clear upskilling opportunity identified in their personal training plan.
In September last year Department for the Economy (DfE) lifted the age restriction for the ApprenticeshipsNI scheme. Previously apprenticeships were limited to those aged 16 to 24 but now anyone over the mandatory school leaving age is eligible. All Age Apprenticeships therefore present a new way for automotive employers to nurture the professional development of their workforce whilst gaining financial assistance towards its implementation.
Already TTS has seven apprentices over the age of 24, proving the appetite there is from automotive employers for more flexibility in the apprenticeship scheme.
One employer leading the way in the adoption of All Age Apprenticeships is TrustFord, which has three apprentices over the age of 24 with TTS – Cameron Wright, Conner Friel and Niamh Dunn.
Sinéad Reid, HR Business Partner, N Ireland, Channel Islands and Marketing, at TrustFord commented:
“In line with their ambition to stay ahead in a changing world, TrustFord implemented the all-age apprenticeship programme, offering individuals aged 25 and above a route into TrustFord
By expanding access to opportunities across a range of age groups, demonstrated by the experiences of Conner, Cameron, and Niamh, TrustFord has broadened its talent pool, securing a dynamic and skilled team”.
Conner Friel explained the benefits of the TTS training style: “The apprenticeship works absolutely perfectly with my work life. I work from 9 to 5 and then come for a week every 8 weeks to the TTS training academy.”
Cameron Wright praised the apprenticeship training effectiveness: “The apprenticeship programme has enhanced my level of skills in all areas and also helped me with my general work ethic.”
Niamh Dunn added her experience as a female apprentice: “Being a female in the industry can be quite hard but at TrustFord and TTS I am treated as an equal and I’m always supported. I wish I had done an apprenticeship when I was younger, I just never had the confidence to do it. You’re never too old to start again and you’re never too old to change your career path”.
Of All Age Apprenticeships, Stephen Wilkinson Training Director at TTS had this to say:
“Although TTS is best known for its technical apprenticeships such as vehicle technician and body repair programmes, we also deliver a range of programmes to develop talent for all roles across the automotive sector.
Our management and team leading apprenticeships, for example, would be perfect for delivery via All Age Apprenticeships since leadership and management training is typically better suited to more experienced employees.
Likewise, automotive companies could use apprenticeships to re-skill employees from different departments into customer service, parts advisor or service advisor roles using the apprenticeship scheme. Using these government-funded programmes to provide training allows employees to enhance their role or change career direction.
And one interesting area that has great potential is our vehicle sales apprenticeship. All age apprenticeships provide a perfect training path for the development of older new or existing employees in this role.”
To find out about any apprenticeship with TTS, please contact Robert Deignan, Careers Development Officer, on 07736958355 or robertd@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
UK Government Unveils LARGEST EVER CASH INCREASE to Apprentice Rate!
Today the UK government unveiled the largest ever cash increase to the minimum wage, including the apprentice rate!
The announcement means that minimum wage rates will increase from April 2024, with more than a 20% increase on the minimum apprentice rate. This will be the largest ever increase in the minimum wage in cash terms and the first time rates increased by more than £1.
As a champion of the value that apprentices add to businesses and the economy, we are delighted to see our apprentices receive this recognition.
If you are an apprentice employer and are curious about how this affects your existing or future apprenticeship programme, please get in touch with our Careers Development Officer, Robert Deignan. to discuss.
Read the full Government announcement here.
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.