Most commonly reported Work Activities

•   Operating Vehicles, Mechanised Devices, or Equipment Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanised equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.
•   Performing for or Working Directly with the Public Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
•   Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
•   Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
•   Handling and Moving Objects Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
•   Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
•   Performing General Physical Activities Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.
•   Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
•   Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
•   Communicating with Persons Outside Organisation Communicating with people outside the organisation, representing the organisation to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.

Working Life

Domestic Appliance Service Engineers make use of a variety of hand and power tools to install, service and repair a wide range of electrical and gas appliances.  
Some tasks call for reference to technical manuals. The domestic services engineer must be familiar with specifications and parts for all domestic appliances as their duties may involve working on anything from kettles to deep freeses.  
 
Workshop engineers have the facilities, tools and test equipment for complete analysis, dismantling and servicing appliances in houses, and in installing and servicing appliances in non-domestic premises such as cookers in company or school canteens or restaurants, tumble dryers in launderettes, heating in offices etc.  
 
Workshop engineers also carry out the complete renovation or updating of older appliances, for resale as second hand models. With smaller, local shops members of the public may bring portable appliances to them for service.  
 
Repairs to small appliances are usually carried out in a service workshop whereas the vast majority of larger household appliances are required by the "field Engineer" who operates on a call out basis.  
 
Customer relations and the paperwork form an important part of the engineers' workload. Work hours are variable and irregular depending on the work schedule.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Bill customers for repair work, and collect payment.
• Observe and examine appliances during operation to detect specific malfunctions such as loose parts or leaking fluid.
• Talk to customers or refer to work orders to establish the nature of appliance malfunctions.
• Refer to schematic drawings, product manuals, and troubleshooting guides to diagnose and repair problems.
• Trace electrical circuits, following diagrams, and conduct tests with circuit testers and other equipment to locate shorts and grounds.
• Replace worn and defective parts such as switches, bearings, transmissions, belts, gears, circuit boards, or defective wiring.
• Provide repair cost estimates, and recommend whether appliance repair or replacement is a better choice.
• Disassemble appliances so that problems can be diagnosed and repairs can be made.
• Respond to emergency calls for problems such as gas leaks.
• Service and repair domestic electrical or gas appliances, such as clothes washers, refrigerators, stoves, and dryers.

Further Information

• Domestic Appliance Service Engineer- from: N.C.S. [UK]

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.

 Investigative

The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.

 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.

There are many pathways to develop in this applied and varied trade & technical role. 

These key Skills Certs may apply: A full class B driving licence is a necessary requirement for most of these positions and Manual Handling.

Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research. 

Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.

Example search terms include: engineering operations, engineering, technology, van delivery driver, maintenance.

Search for FET Courses

PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.

Example search terms include: engineering, ICT, technician, electronic, mechanical.

Search for PLC Courses

Apprenticeships: 
Apprenticeships are structured work-based training programs that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. They run from 2 – 4 years and are open to individuals of all ages, including school leavers, those seeking a career change, and existing employees who wish to upskill.

Examples: Engineering, Construction Apprenticeships.

Search for Apprenticeships

Higher Education CAO (Undergraduate) 
Higher Education courses at Levels 6 to 8 on the NFQ, delivered in Universities and Technological Universities & Institutes. Courses run from 2 – 5 years and places are allocated on a points-based system, processed by the Central Application Office.

Example search terms include: electronic, mechanical, electrical, electronic, general, engineering.

Search for CAO Courses

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €26k - €48k

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

Data Source(s):
Glassdoor/ WRC / Indeed / Morgan McKinley

Last Updated: March, 2024

Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Mechanical engineers; Electrical engineers; Electronics engineers; Engineering professionals n.e.c.

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

Despite a strong five-year annual average employment growth rate, the numbers employed declined marginally between 2021 and 2022. Over half (55%) were employed in the professional activities sector with the remainder spread across industry and other sectors. The number of employment permits issued in 2022 grew strongly (and remained strong in the first five months of 2023) in roles including electrical, mechanical, automation, and validation engineers. There is evidence in the Recruitment Agency Survey of difficulties in filling vacancies for roles in electrical, automation, mechanical, and environmental health & safety (EHS) engineers.

Skills for Growth and Spotlight on Skills data highlight issues with sourcing mechanical, automation and process engineers, with project management, Lean Six Sigma, and CAD/AutoCAD skills in particular demand for these roles. Despite a 3% fall in 2022, this occupation was amongst the most frequently mentioned in online job adverts. Overall demand for this occupation may moderate, although this may be offset by any increase in the extension of Industry 4.0 and Industry 5 technologies to more traditional manufacturing sectors and smaller sized companies; in addition, increased activity associated with the generation of green energy (mechanical/electrical) will also drive demand for these skills. As such, difficulty in sourcing suitably qualified and experienced engineers is expected to continue, albeit in smaller numbers.

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