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.

Please note: To become an apprentice you must pass the Ishihara Colour Vision Test (24 Plate Edition). For further information, contact your local Education and Training Board.

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
• Mathematics
• Technical Drawing/Graphics
• Physics
• Technology

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 Contents

• Induction
• Body Electrics
• Engine Mechanical
• Ignition & Transducers
• Petrol Fuel Injection
• Transmission
• Suspension & Steering
• Brakes
• Compression Ignition
• Workshop Technology
• Related Theory

Phase 3: With Employer

• Work Based Training and Assessments

Phase 4: Delivered in Educational Colleges (10 weeks)

Course Content:

• Engine Mechanical
• Body Electrics
• Braking Systems
• Transmission
• Petrol Fuel Injection
• Steering & Suspension
• Compression Ignition
• Service-Quality & Management
• Related Theory

Phase 5: With Employer

• Work Based Training and Assessments

Phase 6: Delivered in Educational Colleges (10 weeks)

Course Content:

• Petrol Engine Management System
• Steering and Suspension
• Brakes
• Transmission
• Body Electronics
• Compression Ignition

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 Certifcate Craft – Motor Mechanics.

The training is run by the following institutions:

• TU Dublin – City Campus
• City of Dublin Education and Training Board: craft Apprenticeships
• SETU (Waterford Institute of Technology)
• Dundalk Institute of Technology
• Kerry Education and Training Board
• TUS Moylish Campus (Limerick Institute of Technology)

 

As a Motor 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 Motor 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 

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

Core Skills

• Servicing: Read, interpret and carry out manufacturers’ instructions for all vehicle service, maintenance and repair procedures. Complete a vehicle report form.
• Fgas: Describe the overall aim of Regulation No. 842/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 of May 2006 in relation to the air conditioning systems of automotive vehicles (MACs). List the dangers to personal health and related safety regulations related to the refrigerant gas contained in mobile air conditioning (MAC) systems. Describe the location of possible leaks of refrigerant gas from an automotive air con unit.
• Engine: Diagnose faults, dismantle and reassemble the engine and its ancillary components. Replace timing belts and chains. Use all recommended bolt tightening procedures.
• Electrical: Read and interpret relevant electrical wiring diagrams. Use fault-code reader to interrogate ECU memory and OBD system. Employ a logical and structured fault diagnosis methodology (use of diagnostic flow charts). Measure and interpret quantities of electrical current, voltage and resistance. Diagnose/ resolve faults in starter, charging and lighting circuits. Remove/replace vehicle lighting components. Align headlamps.
• Fuel/Ignition: Diagnose and resolve faults in electronically controlled fuel, ignition and emissions control systems. Evaluate exhaust emission levels with reference to NCT/DoT VTM test requirements.
• Transmission: Diagnose faults in manual transmission units. Remove/refit manual transmission units. Diagnose faults in clutch assemblies. Remove/replace clutch components. Remove/replace driveshaft joints and bearings.
• Brakes: Diagnose mechanical and hydraulic faults in the braking system. Remove/ replace brake components. Employ manufacturers’ recommended service and bleeding procedures. Core Skills (cont’d) Specialist Skills
• Steering/Suspension: Diagnose faults in steering and suspension systems. Remove/replace steering and suspension components. Align suspension and steering geometry. Balance wheels. Repair punctures.
• Bodywork: Remove/replace bodywork components e.g. door locks, windows and regulators.

• Engine: Carry out complete engine overhaul on automobile and light commercial vehicle petrol and diesel engines.
• Electrical: Check operation of, diagnose any faults present, and return to original manufacturer's specification: standard, multi-voltage and high voltage systems, inter-control module communication systems e.g. CAN, LIN, VAN and MOST networks, multiplex wiring, climate control, cruise control, theft deterrence systems, comfort systems e.g. electric windows and seat/steering adjustment, sunroof, and central locking.
• Fuel systems: Check operation of, diagnose any faults present, and return to original manufacturer's specification: high pressure petrol injection systems (e.g. GDI and MED-Motronic) and high pressure diesel injection systems (e.g. commonrail).
• Transmission: Check operation of, diagnose any faults present, overhaul and return to original manufacturer’s specification: manual, automatic or hybrid transmission assemblies.
• Brakes: Check operation of, diagnose any faults present, and return to original manufacturer’s specification: ABS and EHB (Electro-Hydraulic Braking) systems. This includes ESP (Electronic Stability Program), TCS (Traction Control System), and ACC (Adaptive Cruise Control) systems.
• Occupant safety: Examine, diagnose any faults present, and return to original manufacturer's specification: vehicle occupant passive safety systems. This includes airbag, belt tensioner and rollover protection systems.
• Communication and Information: Check operation of, diagnose any faults present, and return to original manufacturer's specification: In-Car Entertainment systems, telecommunication systems, vehicle information systems e.g. technical monitoring displays and GPS (Global Positioning System).
• Mobile Air Conditioning (MAC) systems: Discuss and demonstrate best practice for handling of Fgases storage cylinders, the safe recovery and disposal of Fgas. Perform full servicing of an air conditioning system of a motor vehicle to include: leak detection, recovery, vacuum and refill.
• Bodywork: Examine bodywork/chassis/tow hitches in compliance with manufacturer's and NCT/DoT VTM specifications.

Common Skills

• Servicing: Read, interpret and carry out manufacturer's instructions for all vehicle service, maintenance and repair procedures. Complete a vehicle report form.
• NCT/DoT VTM: Determine the condition of automotive vehicles to NCT/DoT VTM requirements.
• Engine: Diagnose faults and return to original manufacturer's specification: petrol and diesel engines and their ancillary components.
• Electrical: Read and interpret relevant electrical wiring diagrams. Use fault-code reader to interrogate ECU memory and OBD system. Employ a logical and structured fault diagnosis methodology (use of diagnostic flow charts). Measure and interpret quantities of electrical current, voltage and resistance. Diagnose/ resolve faults in starter, charging and lighting circuits. Remove/replace vehicle lighting components. Align headlamps.
• Transmission: Diagnose faults and return to original manufacturer's specification: clutch system components, driveshafts and bearings.
• Brakes: Diagnose faults and return to original manufacturer’s specification: brake friction linings.
• Steering: Diagnose faults and return to original manufacturer’s specification: steering linkage and geometry settings.
• Bodywork: Remove/replace bodywork components e.g. door locks, windows and regulators.

The work includes:

• Carrying out the routine service procedures as recommended by the vehicle manufacturer
• Examining and preparing the vehicle for the National Car Test (NCT) or the Commercial Vehicle Road worthiness Test (CVRT)
• Diagnosing and resolving problems with the operation of the mechanical and electrical systems of vehicles
• Carrying out all work in accordance with manufacturer’s recommended procedures.

Motor Mechanics are required to 

• Observe and adhere to all national and EU Health, Safety and Environmental legislation and precautions relative to their work.
• Read, interpret and adhere to the vehicle manufacturer’s instructions when servicing vehicles.
• Use specialised equipment to check the operation of the lighting, steering, braking and other systems and also to measure exhaust emissions, recording the results and liaising with the customer.
• Use logical thinking and manufacturer’s recommended diagnostic techniques to identify and resolve problems.

Aspects of Work

• Learning and developing new craft-related skills, knowledge and competencies
• Working with and learning from experienced craftspersons
• Comply with Health and Safety requirements
• Working with vehicles
• Accepting responsibility for the quality of own work
• Being physically active
• Using the special service tools, materials and equipment
• Reading and interpreting technical instructions and diagrams
• Diagnose and repair mechanical and electrical systems
• Dismantling, examining and re-assembling mechanical systems and components
• Testing electrical and electronic systems and components
• Record and communicate accurate work records or reports
• Driving vehicles
• Taking responsibility for own learning, including the allocation of study time
• Passing all your phase exams ( theory, practicals, skills demonstrations)
• Earning as you learn

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

Where apprentices and craftspeople have the necessary ability, initiative and basic qualifications, opportunities are available for advancement. These include advanced technological and management courses which are available in institutes of technology, schools of management, professional institutes, etc.

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.   

• Springboard & conversion courses  
• Skillnet Sector learning network courses
• Local ETB Board: Skills to Advance courses
• Fetchcourses: Part time/ Evening/ Online upskilling
• Search Post Graduate options

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
• 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 Motor Mechanic brochure.

Job vacancies are advertised in a number of ways: 

• SIMI advertise vacancies for on their website: click here
• LinkedIn Automotive Jobs Group: click here
• On Adverts.ie: click here

These jobs are regularly updated with new positions. We would advise anyone looking for a job in the Motor Industry to regular check these websites. Member companies would also advertise locally in newspapers and their own websites. 

Colour vision requirements

Please note: To become a motor mechanics apprentice you must currently pass the Ishihara Colour Vision Test (24 Plate Edition). For further information, contact your local Education and Training Board.

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:

• SIMI

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

• Joe Duffy Group

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.

As an apprentice, you earn while you learn.

Employment Salary (On-the-job)
Your Apprenticeship employer pays you a salary while you are being trained on-the-job (during phase 1, 3 and 5 of Your apprenticeship contract). 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 (during phase 2, 4 and 6 of the contract).

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/ College/ Technical University. 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.