Training & Competence Lead (Technical Readiness) Manchester

About

Innovation is in our DNA – we thrive on pushing boundaries and adapting to new challenges with a flexible approach. Proud to be a global leader, our fast‑paced growth provides exciting opportunities for our team and the community. Committed to maintaining trains and trams, our mission is to enhance vehicle safety and reliability. Our ultimate goal is to deliver a comfortable, dependable, and sustainable commuting experience for all passengers. Based out of multiple locations across the UK, our 24/7 operation means we’re always on hand to deliver reliable technical support. Utilizing the latest digital technology, we strive to enhance dependability, helping people to get to where they need to be.

What can you expect from CAF?

• Positive work environment based on mutual respect and team spirit.
• Professional development with long‑term projects that give you and the organisation a future.
• Learning and autonomy: work independently and propose and decide ‘what’ and ‘how’.
• Security and reliability: CAF has been working for over 100 years on a path that stretches into the future.
• Cutting‑edge technology: work with the latest technologies and devise innovative approaches and solutions.

What will your role be in the company?

The Training & Competence Lead (Technical Readiness) is responsible for ensuring newly recruited technicians (including technician apprentices) are effectively developed and supported to achieve Initial Operational Performance (IOP) in a safe, timely, and fully compliant manner. The role supports the delivery of initial vehicle, equipment, and process training, introduction to training pathways and competence frameworks, enabling the successful assessment of competence aligned to CAF Rail UK standards and UK Rail Legislation.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the initial development journey for new technicians from induction through to IOP.
• Define, implement, and maintain structured pathways that clearly set out the technical, safety, and behavioural requirements for readiness to operate.
• Ensure technicians are only released to operational duties when competence, confidence, and readiness have been demonstrably achieved.

Competence Management

• Ensure all competence records, assessments, and sign‑offs are accurate, auditable, and up to date.
• Monitor progress against competence milestones and intervene early when development is at risk.

Assessment & Assurance

• Design and oversee robust assessment and verification processes, including workplace assessment, knowledge and skills validation, and practical task observation.

Training & Development Oversight

• Work closely with training providers (internal and external) to ensure learning aligns with operational needs.
• Identify gaps between classroom learning and workplace application and address them through structured practice and coaching.
• Support continuous improvement of training materials, delivery methods, and assessment criteria.

Stakeholder & Operational Interface

• Act as the primary point of contact for technical readiness between key elements of CAF Rail UK: Operations, Training & Competence, Learning & Development, HSQE.
• Provide clear, evidence‑based recommendations on technician readiness to operational managers.
• Support line managers in understanding competence requirements and development expectations.

What will you be paid for this position?

As a Real Living Wage employer, the salary for this role is in the region of £46,000 per annum.

What will make you successful in this position?

• Relevant technical qualification (NVQ Level 3 or higher).
• Level 3 training delivery qualification.
• Significant experience working in a safety‑critical maintenance environment.
• Experience supporting or delivering technician development, assessment, or mentoring.
• Strong understanding of competence management in a safety‑critical industry.
• Ability to interpret and apply standards, rules, and procedures in an operational setting.

About What We Offer

We are a Real Living Wage employer and proud signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant, RSSB Mental Health Charter and Women in Rail EDI Charter. We create a culture of inclusivity and belonging and offer a range of benefits to support wellbeing, including 25 days annual leave, a workplace pension scheme with up to 10% contribution from us, a generous health care cash plan and Bike2Work scheme. Career development is supported through our Professional Sponsorship scheme, a flexible working policy, and a family‑friendly culture. As a socially responsible business, we offer paid volunteering days and promote social value initiatives such as tree‑planting, company‑wide donation drives, support for the homeless community and refugees.