Stephen Branagan
Executive, Technical Office, Dublin Bus
Cian Skelly
Lead Project Engineer, Technology Development Department, Dublin Bus
Ray Luby
Engineering Manager, Donnybrook Depot, Dublin Bus
Discover how Ireland’s largest public transport operator is leading the way through career progression, job security, pension and education support schemes.
The Heavy Vehicle Mechanic Apprenticeship Programme is a four-year programme where apprentices are trained to the highest possible technical standards. They acquire the ability to maintain the various systems associated with modern public service vehicles. It is a hands-on, practical and technical education programme, which comprises seven phases: three in college and four on the job.
Apprenticeship programme benefits
Apprentices receive a QQI Level 6 Advanced Certificate in the trade of heavy vehicle mechanics on completion of their apprenticeship. Participants receive a number of benefits during their apprenticeship including travel concessions, toolkit provided, college fees paid and access to a company GP scheme. With satisfactory performance reviews, they may receive an offer of a permanent position in Dublin Bus as a heavy vehicle mechanic. That gives you an industry-leading pension scheme, welfare scheme and a highly competitive salary.
Light and heavy vehicle mechanics are
given the opportunity for growth and
development throughout their careers.
Career progression opportunities
Mechanics are given the opportunity for growth and development throughout their careers. There are two potential career paths: progressing through more senior technical roles in our Technical Office or through supervisory roles in one of our depots. There are currently over 100 such roles currently and most are done by people who originally started as apprentices or mechanics. Most of our engineering managers who manage the depots started as apprentice mechanics and are now responsible for teams of up to 100 people and 250 buses.
Hands-on heavy vehicle training
The Technical Training School is equipped with a classroom and a full workshop to carry out hands-on training. The changeover to hybrid and electric vehicles required reskilling all engineering employees to work safely on or around high-voltage electrical systems. The Technical Training School received accreditation from the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) to deliver hybrid/electric heavy vehicle training up to level 3. It is the first facility in Ireland to offer this type of training.
Educational support for employees
At Dublin Bus, we provide support through the Educational Support Scheme for apprentices and any appointed employees to undertake a relevant course of study. Many of our mechanics have undertaken engineering degrees and other third-level courses. We also provide funding for these programmes, offering the support to help employees succeed.
Growth into a manager role
Engineering manager Ray Luby shares: “I started as a mechanic in Dublin Bus in 2006 and progressed into many roles within the engineering department. In 2023, I was promoted to engineering manager of Donnybrook Depot, which houses the largest bus fleet in the city. I manage a team of 100 employees who service and maintain 240 buses. Last year, I completed a diploma in Project Management with UCD through the company’s Education Support Scheme. The support has been incredible throughout my career.”
Peace of mind with job security
Stephen Branaghan shares his own journey. He started in 2015 when he joined as a heavy vehicle apprentice mechanic. He says: “I spent four years in the Ringsend depot. It was a busy time as I also got my bus and truck licenses. The company has a brilliant Education Support Scheme, and I’m using that now to get my fully-funded degree in mechanical engineering at TU Dublin. I have received two promotions recently and am now in an executive position in the Technical Office. There is huge scope to progress in your career, and the job security and pension really give me peace of mind.”
Continuous learning through dynamic roles
Now lead project engineer in the Technology Development Department, Cian Skelly started as a heavy vehicle mechanic apprentice in 2003 and qualified in 2007. He says: “Over time, my role has changed, being a lead hand, maintenance controller and shift supervisor. I used the Education Support Scheme to take on a part-time degree in mechanical engineering. Through the programme I have successfully completed a HDip in IT and Computing.. The career progression has been brilliant.”
