Heavy Vehicle Mechanic Apprenticeship | Engineering, Manufacturing & Energy Sector Apprenticeship

With this four-year apprenticeship, you will become a fully qualified heavy vehicle mechanic, with a QQI Level 6 Advanced Certificate Craft – Heavy Vehicle Mechanics.

You may then choose to work as a Heavy Vehicle Mechanic with road haulage companies, with coach and bus transport services or in the commercial motor industry.

Many apprentices use their apprenticeship qualification as a platform to launch careers such as engineers, managers, owners of businesses, teachers and instructors amongst others.

See the brochure by clicking on the photo above.

As well as routine servicing, major overhauls are undertaken at regular intervals. Faults are diagnosed and the defective components are repaired or replaced as necessary. Vehicles are serviced after a specified length of time or kilometres, to replace, repair or adjust any worn parts and generally check, tune and adjust for good performance. As part of a routine service, mechanics check and change oil, check and adjust brakes and steering.

Hear from Heavy Vehicle Mechanic Samantha who works with Bus Eireann:

Parts for heavy vehicles are often more expensive than those for light vehicles, so Heavy Vehicle Mechanics usually have to repair rather than replace any faulty items they find. Heaby Vehicle Mechanics usually cover the mechanical, electrical/ electronic, hydraulic and pneumatic aspects of vehicles.

Access the SIMI Aprenticeship Kit here

Bus Eireann recruit annually for their Apprenticeship Programme - Learn More

View details from Apprenticeship.ie

Occupational Profile

To view full details of this occupation, view information from our Careers database for the following occupation: Heavy Vehicle Mechanic

The minimum age at which the employment of an apprentice may commence is 16 years of age.

The minimum educational requirements are:

Grade D or "Achieved" in five subjects in the Department of Education & Skills Junior Certificate Examination or an approved equivalent,

or

The successful completion of an approved Pre-Apprenticeship course,

or

Three years’ work experience gained over sixteen years of age in a relevant designated industrial activity as SOLAS shall deem acceptable.

You must obtain a job as an apprentice in your chosen occupation. Your employer must be approved to train apprentices and must register you as an apprentice within 2 weeks of recruitment.

Note: These are the current approved minimum educational requirements for apprenticeship programmes, however, previous experience of the following subjects would be an advantage but not essential:

Metalwork
Technical Drawing/Graphics
Technology
Mathematics
Physics

Phase 1: With Employer

Induction Training
Introduction to Health & Safety
Introduction to Tools & Equipment
Introduction to Basic Skills

Phase 2: Delivered in Training Centre (20 weeks)

Course Content:

Induction
Bench Fitting/Welding
Basic Electricity/Batteries
Engines
Transmission
Braking Systems
Fuel Systems
Vehicle Wiring, Electric Motors & Computers
Steering & Suspension Systems
Customer Service
Related Theory

Phase 3: With Employer

Work Based Training and Assessments

Phase 4: Delivered in Educational Colleges (10 weeks)

Course Content:

Engine
Transmission
Fuel Systems
Electrical
Steering Systems
Related Theory

Phase 5: With Employer

Work Based Training and Assessments

Phase 6: Delivered in Educational Colleges (10 weeks)

Course Content:

Transmission
Compressed Air Braking Systems
Suspension Systems
Hydraulics
Steering Systems
Diagnostic Systems
Related Theory

Phase 7: With Employer

Work Based Training and Assessments

The overall duration of this apprenticeship is a minimum of 4 years provided all phases are successfully completed.

On successful completion of the programme the learner is awarded a Level 6 Advanced Certificate Craft – Heavy Vehicle Mechanics.

Training is run by the following institutions:

TU Dublin – City Campus

This list is up to date as of June 2019.

As a Heavy Vehicle Mechanic you will need to be physically active and to be able to work with your hands.

An awareness of health and safety and good housekeeping is essential as well as attention to detail.

The Heavy Vehicle Mechanic must have the ability to:

Plan and organise
Communicate effectively
Solve problems
Work independently and as part of a team
Show a positive attitude
Recognise the need for good customer relations
Demonstrate good work practices including time keeping, tidiness, responsibility, quality awareness and safety awareness

Core Skills

Servicing: Carry out manufacturer’s service schedule. Complete a vehicle report form
Engine: Carry out compression tests. Remove/overhaul cylinder heads. Diagnose turbo charger faults and remove/repair and replace components
Diesel Fuel System: Remove/test and refit/replace injectors. Remove/ replace diesel injection components. Check exhaust emissions with smoke meter and diagnose faults. Remove/replace/time, fuel injection pumps. Remove/repair/ replace fuel lift pumps
Transmission: Remove/refit gearboxes. Diagnose faults in clutch, remove/ replace components. Remove/replace driveshaft joints and bearings
Suspension: Remove/replace suspension components
Wheels: Balance wheels and repair punctures
Bodywork: Remove/replace bodywork components e.g. door locks, windows and regulators. Repair/adjustment of mechanical and hydraulic types of cab tilting and locking devices. Fit safety crash barriers and reflector markings
Lights Remove/replace components and focus headlights

Specialist Skills

Brakes: Diagnose/rectify faults in ABS brakes. Diagnose faults in air assisted hydraulic and full air brake systems. Remove/replace and adjust system components
Engine: Carry out complete engine overhaul
Hydraulics: Overhauling and fitting tipping gear, tail lift and loading/ unloading crane equipment
Suspension: Diagnose and rectify faults in pneumatically and electronically controlled air suspension systems
Transmission: Diagnose faults in and overhaul gearboxes. Diagnose faults in and overhaul differential and hub-reduction units. Diagnose and rectify faults in pneumatically and electronically operated gear change, differential and inter axle locking mechanisms
Electrical Diagnose/rectify faults in electrical circuits using wiring diagrams and multimeter. Remove/refit vehicle entertainment systems. Install basic electrical equipment
Bodywork: Adjustment and overhaul/replacement of fifth wheel coupling and semi trailer king pin

Common Skills

Metalwork: Basic bench fitting. Gas welding, brazing, cutting and arc welding brakes.
Diagnose faults in hydraulic brakes system and remove/replace components
Steering: Check and adjust steering geometry. Remove/replace steering components (manual and power assisted type steering)
Engine: Remove/dismantle/reassemble and refit an engine. Diagnose faults in cooling system and remove/replace components
Electrical: Diagnose/rectify faults in starting and charging systems and remove/ replace components. Diagnose/rectify faults in heating systems and remove/replace components
Bodywork: Repair/adjustment of mechanical bodywork components e.g. door locks, windows and regulators

Note: A person wishing to become an apprentice Heavy Vehicle Mechanic must pass a colour–vision test approved by SOLAS.

By the end of your training, you will be able to:

Perform a range of technical tasks relating to the engine, diesel fuel systems, transmission, suspension, wheels and bodywork
Diagnose/rectify faults in electrical circuits and install basic electrical equipment
Interpret technical drawings and work with technical manuals and specifications
Work with a variety of specialised hand and power tools and measuring devices
Inspect and test systems and diagnose faults
Perform routine maintenance and repairs on in-vehicle systems
Work with jacks and hoists to lift and move heavy items.

On successful completion of the apprenticeship programme, apprentices are qualified to work within the recognised trade or profession.

Many craftspeople use their apprenticeship qualification as a platform to launch careers such as engineers, managers, owners of businesses, teachers and instructors amongst others.

Where apprentices and craftspeople have the necessary ability, initiative and basic qualifications, opportunities are available for advancement. These include advanced technology courses and management courses which are available in institutes of technology, Schools of Management and Professional Institutes.

Note: People in employment have a number of options for both Educational and Career Progression. It might also be possible to gain promotion within your existing company. By using your existing qualifications and your experience you might to able to secure an alternative position in a more senior role in another company.

It may also be possible to set up your own company based again on your existing qualifications and experience. Whatever route you decide to take remember education is a lifelong pursuit and you can always continue to up skill and/or retrain, whatever your age. Links to some educational and enterprise supports can be found below.

Career Progression Useful Links:

Educational Supports:

On completion of an apprenticeship your educational progression options may be offered as full awards on the NFQ levels 7-10 National Framework . You may also decide to embark on a partial award or to up skill in a particular area by undertaking a short specialised course.

Depending on your skills, knowledge and experience some of the opportunities below might be appropriate to help develop your Career pathway.

Enterprise and Self-Employment Support:

On completion of anapprenticeship if you feel you have the appropriate knowledge, skills and experience you may decide to set up your own business. The links below might be useful to support you:

Local Enterprise Offices, For profit Local enterprise support
Local Area partnerships For profit enterprise support
Social entrepreneurs: Not-for-profit enterprise support
Franchising: Developing your business under an established franchise

To become an apprentice in Ireland you must be hired by an employer. Apprenticeship employers are formally approved by SOLAS in advance of employing apprentices. Apprentices get a formal contract of employment as part of their apprenticeship.

Opportunities for this Apprenticeship arise on an ongoing basis throughout the year. In order to secure an apprenticeship contract of employment, you should target companies you would like to do your apprenticeship with by applying directly to them.

To find an apprenticeship, you can search apprenticeship vacancies and a list of currently approved apprentice employers on the Apprenticeship Jobs & Employers Portal. You can search for vacancies by location, and employers in each apprenticeship.

Use this link to explore a list of Approved Employers by Region and by Apprenticeship type.

Full eligibility criteria for this apprenticeship are available in the Heavy Vehicle Mechanics Apprenticeship brochure.

Colour Vision Requirements

To become a Heavy Vehicle Mechanics apprentice you must pass the Ishihara Colour Vision Test (24 Plate Edition).

Finding an employer and securing your apprenticeship

Finding an employer or registering your interest with an official Coordinating Provider is one of the first things you need to do to start an apprenticeship.

Opportunities for this apprenticeship may be available from the following organisations:

Online Jobsites

Here are some direct links to employment websites that frequently list apprenticeship vacancies.

Note: These websites may include vacancies that are not QQI accredited Apprenticeships.

Below are the results for an Apprentice from indeed.ie.

Current Apprentice Mechanic Jobs (Where Available)

jobs by

As an apprentice, you earn while you learn.

Employment Salary (On-the-job)
The employer pays you a salary while you are being trained on-the-job. The rate of pay is agreed between you and your employer.

Training Allowance (Off-the-job)
A training allowance is paid by the local Education and Training Board (ETB) while you are attending the off-the-job training. In some cases, a contribution towards travel or accommodation costs may be paid.

The sector the apprentice's employer is engaged in will determine the allowance payable. These allowances are calculated on the gross wages paid by industry in each sector. The weekly gross wage norms for different industries are listed below.

Information on taxation of off-the-job payments can be found here.

Apprentices complete two of their three phases of off-the-job training in a higher education institution. A student contribution must be paid for this part of the training.

The amount of the student contribution is a proportion of the annual student contribution paid by students who are attending a full-time course in higher education. The student contribution is paid directly to the higher education institution.

The student contribution for this apprenticeship is €1,000 for Phase 4 and €1,000 for Phase 6

Learn more about fees here