Apprentice Mechanic - Transport Depot Newry (Job Reference: 26004272)
Primary Location : Down-Newry-Transport Depot Newry
Contract Type : Fixed-Term (May be subject to extension or reduced for any valid reason)
Duration of Contract/Contract End Date : 31 August 2030
Status : Full-Time
Hours per Week : 36 hours including 1 day release for College.
Working Pattern : TBC upon appointment and College Course requirements.
Grade/Scale : Apprentice Mechanic | NJC Pts 5 - 8 | £25,583 - £26,824 per annum
Additional Allowance(s) : Other, please see additional information
Anticipated Interview Date(s) : 1 July 2026
Additional Information: Tool Allowance and College Fees will be provided for this role. Appointment will be on a 4 year fixed - term basis, upon successful completion of the Level 3 Heavy Vehicle Maintenance & Repair a permanent position as an EA Vehicle Technician/Mechanic will be offered.
JOB DESCRIPTION
JOB TITLE: Apprentice Mechanic
REPORTS TO: Senior Foreperson
ALLOWANCES: Tool Allowance, Local College Course Fees for Level 2/3 Apprenticeship in Vehicle Maintenance and Repair (Heavy Vehicle)
- Should the employee leave employment the liability for the course fee will pass to the employee. The EA will seek to recover paid course fees on a pro rata basis from the date employment ceases. No refund policy exists, should the employee withdraw from the course, fees are still payable in full.
JOB PURPOSE:
Train to become a Vehicle Technician / Mechanic and work towards your Level 2 & 3 Apprenticeship NI in Vehicle Maintenance & Repair (Heavy Vehicle). Learn with experienced professional EA Mechanics at one of our dedicated vehicle workshops that collectively maintains fleet of over 1000 vehicles. Develop your skills in the service and repair of EA school buses, LGV and all types of motor vehicles and EA equipment to full PSV or MOT standard in a safe and efficient manner.
MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Develop skills, knowledge and experience working alongside EA Vehicle Mechanics with the service, maintenance and repair of vehicles, equipment or components utilising the necessary tools, equipment and facilities in a safe and efficient manner within the standard man-hour’s targets defined by the Fleet Locality Manager or vehicle/equipment manufacturer.
- Apply logic to develop skill using diagnostic, mechanical, and electrical measuring equipment to investigate vehicle faults and identifying their underlying causes.
- Under supervision, carry out routine safety inspections and routine mechanical and electrical servicing, including removing, repairing, or replacing components to the correct specification.
- Assist with the recovery of broken down or immobilised vehicles and equipment, utilising proper techniques to minimise the risk of additional damage or danger to the public.
- When required, manufacture simple component parts, using hand tools or other machinery provided.
- Wash and steam hose vehicles to the required standard.
- Keep external Workshop areas clean and tidy ensuring standards of safety and appearance are maintained.
- When required issue fuels/oils and assist in stores according to agreed procedures and complete all necessary records.
- Apply the policies of the Education Authority Fleet Service in respect of maintenance practice and standards to ensure these are fully implemented and that maximum benefit is obtained in optimising equipment availability and reducing total maintenance costs.
- Attend any training courses on vehicles or equipment that may be deemed necessary.
- Use safe working practices and procedures at all times including the wearing of protective clothing/equipment and the maintenance of a tidy personal appearance.
- Co-operate in the introduction of management information systems.
- Carry out all duties in the working conditions normally inherent in the job and comply with The Health and Safety at Work (NI) Order 1978, Acts of Parliament, Statutory Instruments and Regulations and other legal requirements and Codes of Practice.
- Achieve vehicle availability targets in accordance with agreed manning levels.
- Undertake any other duties or responsibilities commensurate with the Apprentice Mechanic experience and ability that may reasonably be required by the Foreperson.
- Willingness to attend other EA Vehicle Maintenance Depots subject to training or operational needs.
PERFORMANCE CRITERIA
- Willingness to learn with attention to detail.
- Complete work within specified standard working hours targets.
- Assist with the recovery of vehicles and equipment without danger to the public and with the risk of causing additional damage.
- Be well versed in application of vehicle legislation and the Education Authority Fleet Service policies and procedures.
- Communicate skills and knowledge effectively to all staff.
REPORTING
- Time keeping and compliance with the working week arrangement as defined by the Service Manager in accordance with the needs of the service.
- Utilisation of the Time Recording System in an accurate manner and in accordance with the procedures laid down by the Foreman/Chargehand.
- Completion of documents and records as decided by the Fleet Locality Manager including a Job costing system.
This job description will be subject to review in light of changing circumstances and is not intended to be rigid and inflexible but should be regarded as providing guidelines within which the individual works. Other duties of a similar nature and appropriate to the grade may be assigned from time to time.
In accordance with Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act (1998), the post-holder is expected to promote good relations, equality of opportunity and pay due regard for equality legislation at all times.
To view the summary of terms and conditions for this post, click here.
Please refer to the candidate information pack for more information the pack can be accessed here.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
1. You must clearly demonstrate on your application form under each question, how, and to what extent you meet the required criteria as failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted. You should clearly demonstrate this for both the essential and desirable criteria, where relevant.
2. You must demonstrate how you meet the criteria by the closing date for applications, unless the criteria state otherwise.
3. The stage in the process when the criteria will be measured is outlined in the table below.
4. Shortlisting will be carried out on the basis of the essential criteria set out in Section 1 below, using the information provided by you on your application form.
5. Please note that the Selection Panel reserves the right to shortlist only those applicants that it believes most strongly meet the criteria for the role.
6. In the event of an excessive number of applications, the Selection Panel also reserves the right to apply any desirable criteria as outlined in Section 3 at shortlisting, in which case these will be applied in the order listed. It is important therefore that you also clearly demonstrate on your application form on how you meet any desirable criteria.
Section 1 - Essential Criteria
The following are essential criteria which will initially be measured at the shortlisting stage and which may also be further explored during the interview/selection stage. You should therefore make it clear on your application form how, and to what extent you meet these criteria. Failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted.
Factor
Essential Criteria
Method of Assessment
Qualifications
Hold a minimum of five GCSE passes (grades A*-C) or relevant equivalent or higher examination qualifications (Including English and Maths).
Shortlisting by Application Form
Skills/
Abilities
Ability to demonstrate readiness to learn.
Shortlisting by Application Form
Other
Candidates must complete and be accepted onto Level 2/3 Apprentice NI in Vehicle Maintenance & Repair (Heavy Vehicle) at South East Regional College, Lisburn. Please follow the link below for further information:
SERC Vehicle Maintenance & Repair
Category B Driving Licence is required and must be obtained at own expense prior to being upgraded to an EA Vehicle Technician/Mechanic.
Willingness to undertake job related training and necessary certifications* to fulfil the requirements of the role.
- Please note successful candidate(s) will be expected to obtain a full category D driving licence and be willing to obtain other categories if required.
Shortlisting by Application Form
Section 2 - Essential Criteria
The following are additional essential criteria which will be measured during the interview/selection stage in line with EA’s Game Changing People Model.
Factor
Essential Criteria
Method of Assessment
Knowledge
Knowledge of the functions of the Education Authority Fleet.
Basic knowledge of vehicle maintenance requirements.
Skills/
Abilities
In line with EA’s Game Changing People Model we will look for evidence of:
Attention to detail and ability to adhere to schedules.
Ability to communicate and work effectively with others as part of a team.
Ability to take a responsive and customer focused approach to work.
Values Orientation
Evidence of how your experience and approach to work reflect EA’s ethos and values. You will find information about our Values here.
Section 3 - Desirable Criteria
Some or all of the desirable criteria may be applied by the Selection Panel in order to determine a manageable pool of candidates. Desirable criteria will be applied in the order listed. You should make it clear on your application form how, and to what extent you meet the desirable criteria, as failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted.
Factor
Desirable Criteria
Method of Assessment
Experience/Qualifications
Hold an ICT Qualification.
Experience of working with tools and completing basic repairs on vehicles.
Shortlisting by Application Form
Our Values
Through the selection process we will also seek evidence that the personal values of candidates align with those of the EA. This will include evidence of commitment to equality and excellence in service delivery. These reflect our aim which is to meet the needs of all our children and young people equally, removing barriers to learning and ensuring equality of access to excellent education services so that every child can develop to his or her full potential.
DISCLOSURE OF CRIMINAL BACKGROUND
The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups (Northern Ireland) Order 2007 defines working directly with children or young people or in specified places as ‘regulated activity’.
In the event that you are recommended for appointed to a post that involves ‘regulated activity’, the Education Authority will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure of Criminal Background. Please note that you WILL be expected to meet the cost of an Enhanced Disclosure Certificate. Details of how to make payment will be sent to you at the pre-employment stage.
Further information can be accessed at NI Direct or the Department of Justice.
