Most commonly reported Work Activities

• Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Operating Vehicles, Mechanised Devices, or Equipment Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanised equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• 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.
• Handling and Moving Objects Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
• 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.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

The Work

The increasing use of computers and electronic components in vehicles has changed this job title from Mechanic to Automotive Technician.

As a mechanic / Automotive Technician, you use your skills to service, inspect, overhaul and repair a wide variety of mechanical devices. There are different types of mechanics, such as motor mechanics, heavy goods vehicle mechanics and NCT/CVRT inspectors.

Motor Mechanics

Motor mechanics carry out the routine servicing and repair of cars and other light vehicles such as cars, vans and motorcycles. A vehicle may be due for a service after it has travelled a certain number of kilometres or after a certain period of time, according to instructions set out by the vehicle's manufacturers. Mechanics also repair vehicles that have broken down or been involved in accidents.

Servicing involves making routine checks according to a list, finding faults or problems, overhauling or replacing worn or faulty parts, and using special equipment and road tests to make sure the vehicle performs as it should. Sometimes customers take their vehicles to mechanics to investigate a particular mechanical fault.

Solving these problems may involve stripping down the affected part of the car on a bench or in a workshop area, finding the faulty components and replacing them, and then putting all the parts together again. Mechanics tend to replace parts rather than repair them because this is quicker and therefore less costly.

During the course of their work, mechanics also deal with electrical and electronic systems, which are becoming more and more sophisticated on modern vehicles. For example, mechanics may connect laptop computers to a vehicle's electronic control unit, using an on-screen menu to choose the part of the vehicle they want to investigate. The computer is able to find and report back information on the fault, for example, a break in circuit wiring.

With older vehicles, mechanics use electrical testing equipment like voltmeters and ammeters to test electric circuits/components.

Some mechanics go out to vehicles that have broken down or been damaged in accidents. They may be able to repair on the roadside, depending on the fault or tow the vehicle back to their work station to assess any damage or unseen problems.

Mechanics are also responsible for pre-delivery inspections. These are done to ensure a vehicle is working well and performing as it should before it is delivered to the customer. Mechanics use specialised equipment to measure things like engine and brake performance, transmission and the accuracy of dashboard indicators.

Some mechanics may work with motorcycles only. The type of work they do can depend on the sise of the organisation they work for. In a large dealership, they may spend all their time in the workshop; in a small, specialised shop, they may spend some time selling bikes and accessories to customers.

New motor bikes usually arrive at the workplace in crates. The mechanics unpack them and assemble them before testing to see that they are safe and work properly. They then polish them, ready for display in the show room.

Heavy Goods Vehicle Mechanics

Work on trucks, buses, coaches and other heavy vehicles. It is very costly for a road haulage, bus or coach company to have a vehicle off the road and not earning money, so the mechanic's work is very important. Each vehicle is 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, and check and adjust brakes and steering. Parts for heavy vehicles are often more expensive than those for light vehicles, so mechanics usually have to repair rather than replace any faulty items they find.

Mechanics usually cover the mechanical, hydraulic and pneumatic aspects of vehicles while auto-electricians specialise in their electrical and electronic systems. Mechanics use a wide range of hand and power tools and measuring devices. They use jacks and hoists to lift and move heavy items. They may refer to technical manuals and drawings during their work.

The work involves standing, crouching and lying under vehicles, and reaching into awkward spaces in the engine compartment. Mechanics may have to drive out to breakdowns to make repairs on the spot in all weathers or to bring back the vehicle.

NCT Inspectors and CVRT Tester

NCT Inspectors are qualified mechanics who work in one of the many NCTS centres in Ireland and CVRT (Commercial Vehicle Roadworthiness Test) Testers are qualified Heavy Goods Vehicle Mechanics working in a CVRT approved test centre.

They conduct vehicle test inspections as per standard procedures. They also deal with customers, answer queries on test procedures and results.

It is important that inspectors keep accurate records of testing work and they accept payments from customers. At times, they may liaise with Call Centre staff in relation to bookings and cancellations. Working hours are often office hours but can also include late evenings, early mornings and weekends.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Test drive vehicles and test components and systems, using equipment such as infrared engine analysers, compression gauges, and computerised diagnostic devices.
• Inspect vehicles for damage and record findings so that necessary repairs can be made.
• Test and adjust repaired systems to meet manufacturers' performance specifications.
• Repair, reline, replace, and adjust brakes.
• Estimate costs of vehicle repair.
• Review work orders and discuss work with supervisors.
• Troubleshoot fuel, ignition, and emissions control systems, using electronic testing equipment.
• Confer with customers to obtain descriptions of vehicle problems and to discuss work to be performed and future repair requirements.
• Align vehicles' front ends.
• Test electronic computer components in automobiles to ensure proper operation.

Further Information

• Mechanic / Automotive Technician - from: N.C.S. [UK]
• Mechanic / Automotive Technician - from: GradIreland
• Mechanic / Automotive Technician - from: N.C.S. [UK]
• Mechanic / Automotive Technician - from: N.C.S. [UK]
• Mechanic / Automotive Technician - 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.

Apprenticeship Route

The official entry route for a Mechanic / Automotive Technician is through undertaking an apprenticeship.

Click here to find information on the Heavy Vehicle Mechanic apprenticeship

There are many pathways to develop skills & qualifications towards a career as a mechanic Automotive Tech.

Training & Development pathways

FET Centre post leaving cert: Motor vehicle maintenance/ Automotive Tech (pre apprenticeship)  NFQ level 5 search our FET centre coursefinder

Apprenticeship:  Heavy Vehicle Mechanic apprenticeship, Motor Mechanic apprenticeship, Mechanic / Automotive Technician,  NFQ level 6 Search apprenticeship 

The minimum entry requirement is at that you are at least 16 years old and have at least a grade D in any 5 subjects in the Junior Certificate (or equivalent grades in other approved examinations). Some employers will look for more than this – up to Leaving Certificate.

You also need to pass a colour vision test approved by SOLAS.

Maths, physics, technical drawing, metal work, technology and engineering are particularly relevant school subjects.

To work as a mechanic, you will also be expected to have a Full Drivers Licence.

Training & Development

As a qualified mechanic, you can work in a number of settings, the most common one being in a garage or car sales business. With experience and significant funds, you can start your own garage or you can progress by specialising, in a particular brand of a car or a specific type of vehicle (e.g. electric and hybrid) or in tuning and modifying vehicles for higher performance for example.

As a qualified motor mechanic, you can also work as an NCT inspector in an NCTS (National Car Testing Services). While a completed mechanic qualification (i.e. apprenticeship) is required get the job, you will receive comprehensive induction training for 3 weeks to qualify you to perform the NCT tests. You will also be required to participate in annual refresher training on the NCT testing procedures and use of the equipment. Occupational first aid and Health and Safety training is also provided by the employer on a regular basis for employees.

As a qualified Heavy Goods Vehicle Mechanic, you can work in a CVRT (Commercial Vehicle Roadworthiness Test) Centre and training is provided to successful applicants to become a CVRT tester.

As the motor industry developed with technological advancements all the time, it is important to keep up to date. Industry organisations, such as the Society of the Irish Motor Industry, often offer training opportunities to mechanics and other professionals in the sector via Skillsnets network.

Higher Education CAO entry: Management & electrical vehicle automotive engineering NFQ level 6-8 search our CAO coursefinder. 

Professional Development

Springboardcourses Offer blended programs in Electrical automotive technology courses at NFQ level 7 search Springboardcourses

ETBs Education training boards via skills to advance offer part time Upskillsing in electrical automotive diagnostics NFQ component awards level 5 Auto electricity search our FET centre coursefinder 

Last Updated: October, 2023

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €29k - €50k

Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, duties, and role.

Data Source(s):
Payscale/ Indeed / Solas/ Talent

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 occupation has been identified as a Job in Demand by the most recent National Skills Bulletin.

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

• Mechanics Association of Ireland

  • Click Here