Careers

Within the Motor Industry there are a vast number of occupations which one can choose to develop into a career. The Society has composed the following list of occupational profiles which provided a detailed description of the different professions and what they entail.

 

Occupational Profiles

Careers in the Irish Motor Industry

The SIMI Training Department deals with many enquiries for information and guidance from teachers, parents and students by phone and email. Motor industry careers material is regularly distributed to schools and colleges.

The next step in promoting motor industry careers is for members to develop local relationships with schools and colleges. The importance of developing relationships with schools, colleges and other institutions dealing with education and training cannot be over-emphasised. The motor industry is in a unique position to interact with and influence school children, students and their parents across Ireland. This will require involvement from members within their locality.

The Training Department can provide you with the support, and materials to develop these relationships but, for it to work; we need you and your staff to get involved, here are some of the ways that you can: volunteer to participate in school liaison events or identify someone in your staff who would have an interest in participating, register with your Centre Committee or with the Training Committee.

The types of activities that can be offered to schools include:

  • Act as a local contact point for at least one local school.
  • Work shadowing.
  • Work experience.
  • Provide information and assistance to students doing projects (engineering, business, environmental, etc).
  • Work with students on the Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme during which students have to undertake modules on enterprise education, preparation for work and work experience.

Apprenticeship Information

Qualifying as a Craftsperson

Apprenticeship is the recognised means by which people are trained to become craftspeople in Ireland.

The main craft traders within the Irish Motor Industry are:

  • Motor Mechanic.
  • Heavy Vehicle Mechanic.
  • Construction Plant Fitter.
  • Agricultural Mechanic.
  • Vehicle Body Repairer.

These have been designated by FÁS and come within the scope of the Statutory Apprenticeship system, which is organised in Ireland by FÁS in co-operation with the Department of Education and Science, employers and unions. Apprenticeship is a demand-driven, workplace and classroom, educational and training programme for employed people aimed at developing the skills of the apprentice to meet the needs of industry and the labour market.

The Curriculum for each apprenticeship programme is based on uniform, pre-specified standards which are agreed and determined by industry. SIMI works closely with FÁS and industry to ensure the curriculum content for the main craft trades within the motor industry is relevant and up to date. On successful completion of an apprenticeship, a FETAC Advanced Certificate is awarded; this is recognised internationally as the requirement for craftsperson status.

How to become An Apprentice in the Irish Motor Industry

Before seeking an apprenticeship within the Motor Industry it is wise to fully understand what is involved. Where possible the potential apprentice should observe the type of work being done in their intended apprenticeship. They should ask potential employers, qualified motor industry craftspeople or apprentices for advice about heir craft and potential career opportunities. They may also consult with career guidance counsellors and local FÁS Employment Offices for advice.

Entry Requirements

The minimum age at which the employment of an apprentice may commence is 16 years of age.

The minimum educational requirements are:

  • Grade D in five subjects in the Department of Education and Science Junior Certificate Examination or an approved equivalent.
    or
    The successful completion of an approved pre-apprenticeship course.
    or
    Be over 18 years of age; have at least 3 years work experience approved by FÁS.
  • You must obtain employment as an apprentice in your chosen occupation. Your employer must be approved by FÁS and must register you as an apprentice within 2 weeks of recruitment.

In certain crafts, including those in the Motor Industry family trades, apprenticeship applicants are required to pass a colour vision test approved by FÁS.

What wages are Apprentices paid?

Apprentices within the motor industry may be paid a rate of pay by their employer which is negotiated and agreed by the SIMI National Labour Committee and the Motor Industry Group of Unions as part of the National Craft Wage Agreement, details can be obtained from the Society on 01 6761690. Generally, rates are based on the year and increase during the apprenticeship; details should be checked with the prospective employer.

Funding

During off–the-job training, all apprentices are paid an Apprentice Allowance by FÁS and, where appropriate, a contribution towards travel or accommodation costs.

Women Apprentices

To promote the entry of women into the designated apprenticeships (particularly in areas were women are under-represented) FÁS offers a bursary to employers to encourage the recruitment of woman apprentices.

Apprenticeship Phases

The apprenticeship cycle is deemed to be complete when an apprentice has completed all of the alternating on-the-job and off-the-job phases of their apprenticeship, within the minimum timeframe from the date of registration, as well as achieving the qualifying standard throughout their apprenticeship. Successful completion of the apprenticeship is a compulsory requirement in order to be awarded the FETAC Advanced Certificate.

The Modules are delivered as follows:

  • PHASE 1 On-The-Job Planned, (12 Weeks approximately) Training and Work Experience.
  • PHASE 2 Off-The-Job Training, Development (20 Weeks) and Modular Assessment.
  • PHASE 3 On-The-Job Training, Work Experience and Competence Assessment.
  • PHASE 4 Off-The-Job Training, Development (10 Weeks) and Modular Assessment.
  • PHASE 5 On-The-Job Training, Work Experience and Competence Assessment.
  • PHASE 6 Off-The-Job Training, Development (10 Weeks) and Modular Assessment.
  • PHASE 7 On-The-Job Training, Work Experience and Competence Assessment.

On the Job Training

Employers have responsibility for providing on-the-job training.

For further information on apprenticeship please contact your local FÁS Office or log onto www.fas.ie or contact the Training Department in SIMI at 01-6761690.