Most commonly reported Work Activities

• Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Documenting/Recording Information Entering, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
• 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.
• 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.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

The Work

The main Air Corps base is at Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel, Co. Dublin. The Air Corps is involved in a wide range of activities such as joint operations with the Army, Naval Service and Gardaí, Search and Rescue missions, Air Ambulance missions, Ministerial Air Transport, Irish/EU fishery patrols and VIP flights for visiting dignitaries.   
  
To carry out these tasks, the Air Corps has over forty aircraft which, to keep in operation, require a large range of specialist skills not just from pilots but from aircraft engineers, technicians and mechanics, backed by Air Traffic Controllers and Flight Operations staff. They are employed to learn a specialist skill of trade relevant to the efficient running of the Corps. The air-crafts need to be maintained, repaired, refuelled and serviced.   
  
The purpose of the Air Corps Apprentice Scheme is to provide military trades persons for the Air Corps. The Scheme offers the successful Apprentice an opportunity to become an efficient and disciplined soldier and provides training as Aircraft Mechanics, both Mechanical and Avionic.   
  
The system of training is equivalent to that of a first-class civilian workshop practice and should ensure the attainment of the highest qualifications. The Apprenticeship courses in the Air Corps Apprentice School have been adapted to comply with FÁS Standard Based Apprenticeship Schemes.   
  
The Trade Union organisations have agreed that personnel trained and qualified under the Air Corps Apprenticeship schemes may be accepted as qualified trades persons and, on return to civilian life, may be admitted as members of the appropriate Trade Unions.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Examine and inspect aircraft components, including landing gear, hydraulic systems, and deicers to locate cracks, breaks, leaks, or other problems.
• Conduct routine and special inspections as required by regulations.
• Inspect completed work to certify that maintenance meets standards and that aircraft are ready for operation.
• Read and interpret maintenance manuals, service bulletins, and other specifications to determine the feasibility and method of repairing or replacing malfunctioning or damaged components.
• Maintain repair logs, documenting all preventive and corrective aircraft maintenance.
• Modify aircraft structures, space vehicles, systems, or components, following drawings, schematics, charts, engineering orders, and technical publications.
• Inspect airframes for wear or other defects.
• Measure parts for wear, using precision instruments.
• Obtain fuel and oil samples and check them for contamination.
• Maintain, repair, and rebuild aircraft structures, functional components, and parts, such as wings and fuselage, rigging, hydraulic units, oxygen systems, fuel systems, electrical systems, gaskets, or seals.

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.

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.

Competitions for Apprentices are usually advertised in national media. All eligible candidates will be requested to attend for preliminary interview at one of the selected locations around the country. Candidates who reach a satisfactory standard at this interview will be required at a later date to attend for assessment tests and a medical examination, see Military.ie.   
  
Successful candidates are required to enlist for service in the Defence Forces for a total period of twelve years comprising nine years in the Permanent Defence Force and three years in the Reserve Defence Force. They will also be required to register your apprenticeship with Solas.   
  
An Aircraft Mechanic undertakes Electrical, Electronic, Instruments, Radio and Radar subjects leading to a specialisation in the Avionic area of Aircraft Maintenance. A large portion of the programme is devoted to practical work on airframes and aero-engines, aircraft components and aircraft systems.   
  
The period of Apprenticeship is three and a half years. The training comprises of alternating phases of academic and practical training modules. Academic training is carried out in the Air Corps Technical Training School, Baldonnel, by qualified instructors.   
  
The 'on the job' training modules are carried out in operational Air Corps maintenance units under the supervision of selected Aircraft Mechanics. During the practical phases, each Apprentice will become familiar with the maintenance practices used on the Air Corps Aircraft Fleet. During the final phases, the Aircraft Mechanic Apprentice will specialise on Instrumentation Electrical and Communications Systems of all aircraft types.   
  
On completion of his/her Apprenticeship, the newly qualified Aircraft Mechanic will become an integral part of the Air Corps maintenance team providing maintenance backup to the Air Corps Aircraft Fleet. He/she will normally be based with an Air Corps unit within the State as well as being liable for duties overseas with the Permanent Defence Force.

Last Updated: April, 2023

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €18k - €38k

Salaries vary by experience, level in rank, allowances. 

On enlistment 1 Weeklty range of €357.44 to €621.08. 

After 1 years service 2 €418.72 
After 2 years service 3 €537.29 
After 3 years service 4 €621.08 
Defence Forces Rates of Pay

Data Source(s):
Military.ie

Last Updated: March, 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. 

Employment growth was slightly above the national average for the five-year period, although most of this growth occurred in the earlier years. Those working in this occupation are primarily employed within the public sector and, as such, any employment growth will be dependent on future Government funding

• Specialist Competition

  • Human Resources Section, Defence Force Headquarters, Colaiste Caoimhin, Mobi Road, Dublin 7
  • (01) 8042149

• Defence Forces, Recruitment & Competitions Section

  • Department of Defence,Station Road, Newbridge, Co. Kildare
  • 1890 42 65 55
  • [email protected]
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