Most commonly reported Work Activities

• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Operating Vehicles, Mechanised Devices, or Equipment Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanised equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Organising, Planning, and Prioritising Work Developing specific goals and plans to prioritise, organise, and accomplish your work.
• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
• Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Processing Information Compiling, coding, categorising, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

The Work

To change a tyre, fitters jack up the axle, take off the wheel using hand tools or a machine, and remove the old tyre from the wheel using hand tools or a special device. Then they fit a new tyre, inflate it to the correct air pressure and replace the wheel on the vehicle, tightening the wheel nuts with a wheel brace or air powered machine. They rotate the wheel on a balancing machine. This shows where the fitter must add lead weights to the rim to 'balance' the wheel.  
 
Fitters advise customers which tyres need replacing. They suggest the most suitable type of tyre and tread for their vehicle. Sometimes tyre fitters mend punctures on tyres, or replace faulty valves.  
 
Those fitters who work with heavy vehicles carry out regular inspections of tyres for nails, stones and cracks. They remove, inspect inside and repair them if possible, and check tyre pressure.  
 
To change an exhaust, fitters raise the vehicle on ramps or drive it over a pit. Next, they use power and hand tools to detach the old exhaust and to re-attach it after replacing faulty parts, or fit a complete new exhaust.  
 
On cars and vans, a fitter may work alone. On large vehicles, fitters usually work in teams of two or more people.  
 
Those working for larger tyre/exhaust companies are often trained to deal with other tasks such as repairing suspension, steering or brakes. They may also be required to carry out pre-NCT test checks.  
 
Fitters wear overalls or boiler suits and use hand barrier cream to protect against dirt, oil and grease. Garages and workshops are large covered spaces that can be cold in winter and hot in summer. There may be a lot of vehicle exhaust fumes.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• File, grind, sand, and smooth filled or repaired surfaces, using power tools and hand tools.
• Inspect repaired vehicles for proper functioning, completion of work, dimensional accuracy, and overall appearance of paint job, and test-drive vehicles to ensure proper alignment and handling.
• Fit and weld replacement parts into place, using wrenches and welding equipment, and grind down welds to smooth them, using power grinders and other tools.
• Prime and paint repaired surfaces, using paint sprayguns and motorised sanders.
• Follow supervisors' instructions as to which parts to restore or replace and how much time the job should take.
• Sand body areas to be painted and cover bumpers, windows, and trim with masking tape or paper to protect them from the paint.
• Chain or clamp frames and sections to alignment machines that use hydraulic pressure to align damaged components.
• Position dolly blocks against surfaces of dented areas and beat opposite surfaces to remove dents, using hammers.
• Cut and tape plastic separating film to outside repair areas to avoid damaging surrounding surfaces during repair procedure and remove tape and wash surfaces after repairs are complete.
• Review damage reports, prepare or review repair cost estimates, and plan work to be performed.

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

Enterprising

Enterprising people like situations that involve using resources for personal or corporate economic gain. Such people may have an opportunistic frame of mind, and are drawn to commerce, trade and making deals. Some pursue sales and marketing occupations. Many will eventually end up owning their own business, or in management roles in larger organisations. They tend to be very goal-oriented and work best when focused on a target. Some have an entrepreneurial inclination.

Professional Development 

Employers usually provide training on-the-job. Trainee fitters usually watch an experienced fitter at work and then begin working under their supervision. Motor technology is increasing at pace, and keeping up to date is important via Solas Skills to advance programs 

Key Skills 

Manual Handling 

Welding Mig or Tig 

Full Drivers Licence to comply with Road Safety Authority  & Health & Safety Authority safety procedures 

Training & Development 
 
FET Centre Traineeship: Engineering and Motor Technology Skills at NFQ levels 4-5 Search our FET Coursefinder

FET PLC Courses: Motor Maintenance & Light Engineering, Motor Technology, Motor Technology (Pre-Apprenticeship), Motor Vehicle Maintenance at NFQ Levels 5-6 Search our FET PLC Coursefinder 

Professional Development  

Apprenticeship: Motor Mechanic, Aircraft Mechanic, Commercial Driver, Heavy Vehicle Mechanic, Vehicle Body Repairer, Agricultural Mechanic at NFQ level 6 up to 4 years Search Apprenticeships

Last Updated: March, 2023

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €25k - €36k

Salaries vary by employer, role, duties, shift pattern, location, and experience.

Data Source(s):
Indeed/ Payscale/ Glassdoor

Last Updated: February, 2024

* The lower figures typically reflect starting salaries. Higher salaries are awarded to those with greater experience and responsibility. Positions in Dublin sometimes command higher salaries.

View Salary information from Indeed.ie
Note: data not aways available

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

Employment levels have seen little change in recent years resulting in a below average annual growth rate over the five-year period. Census data shows that although employment is spread across a range of roles, the majority are employed as vehicle technicians, mechanics and electricians.

There was a higher-than-average share of non-Irish citizens employed (25% compared to 19% nationally). Employment permits issued for this occupation were mainly for vehicle roadworthiness testers with a small number for aircraft engineers. Vacancies advertised through DSP Jobs Ireland included various mechanics (aircraft, HGV, motor) and vehicle inspectors. There was a relatively high volume of jobseekers registered with the DSP in December 2022 who had previously been employed in vehicle trades roles.

New apprenticeship registration numbers for both HGV and motor mechanics declined in 2022 when compared to the previous year but were relatively on a par with 2019 levels. The decline in new diesel and petrol car registrations along with the increased uptake of electric and hybrid vehicles is likely to result in an increased demand for electric vehicle (EV) mechanics and a gradual decline in demand for traditional motor mechanic skills.

In 2022, there were 15,462 EV cars licensed for the first time in Ireland, representing a 3.5-fold increase (+349%) on 2019 numbers. Growth is expected to continue, as in the first five months of 2023 numbers had already reached nearly 12,000, a 52% increase on the same period in the preceding year. Although no shortages have been identified, upskilling/reskilling in digital skills will be required for the current vehicle mechanic workforce. 

• Society of the Irish Motor Industry

  • 5 Upper Pembroke St, Dublin 2
  • (01) 676 1690
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Irish Tyre Association of Ireland

  • PO Box 1101, Naas, Co. Kildare
  • 045 894698
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here