Motor Mechanics
Course Overview
Motor mechanics are involved with the servicing, maintenance and repair of cars, sports utility vehicles (SUVs) and light vehicles. The work is wide-ranging and includes routine servicing in accordance with manufacturers’ recommended procedures and the testing and approval of the structural, mechanical and electrical systems of the vehicle for the National Car Test (NCT) or Department of Transport test. This course is ONLY available to current SOLAS registered apprentices.
Motor mechanics also use electronic equipment for fault diagnosis to interrogate the fault memory that exists in the Electronic Control Units (ECU) that now control and monitor the mechanical, safety and comfort systems of the vehicle. Hybrid-powered (i.e. petrol and electrical) vehicles require a high level of technical expertise from the motor mechanic. Some motor mechanics may specialise in different automotive technical systems or vehicle makes.
Career Opportunities
You will be qualified to work within your chosen apprenticeship field or you may decide to further develop your career i.e. company-based, cross-skilling, up-skilling, management or self-employment.
Education Progression
On successful completion of your apprenticeship you are eligible for consideration for entry into related degree programmes provided by various Institutes of Technologies including DkIT, provided you also meetother special entry requirements. Further information on progression from Advanced Certificate - Craft to levels 7 and 8 are available on the QQI website:
Fees and Funding
The Annual Student Contribution is levied on students attending Higher Education Institutions including Institutes of Technology. As part of changes included in Budget 2014, apprentices now pay the same contribution as full-time students, but their contribution will be based on the time they spend in the Institutes.
This is typically one third of the Annual Student Contribution paid by students attending for the full academic year but it can be greater for certain trades where longer periods are spent in Institutes of Technology. The amount due for full-time students for the academic year 2016/2017 which ends in June 2017 is €3,000. The Student Contribution is payable on the date of registration for the training phase.
Please note, a percentage of the Facilities Contribution Fee may also be applicable.
Entry Requirements
Apprentices must be employed in their chosen occupation by an employer who has been approved by SOLAS. The employer must register the apprentice with SOLAS within 2 weeks of recruitment.
Apprentices must be at least 16 years of age and have a minimum of grade D in any five subjects in the Junior Certificate or equivalent. However, employers may require additional minimum qualifications.
Where individuals do not meet the minimum requirements they may be registered as an apprentice by an employer if:
- They satisfactorily complete an approved preparatory training course and assessment interview.
For information on these courses please contact your local Employment Services Office
OR
Over 16 years of age with a minimum of three years relevant work experience. This work experience must be in a relevant designated industrial activity as SOLAS shall deem acceptable.
In certain occupations, a vision test is required.
How To Apply
Apply on Generation Apprenticeship
This course is only available to current SOLAS registered apprentices. Find out more by visiting Generation Apprenticeship.
Ask us a Question
If you have a question about the Motor Mechanics please ask it below and we will get back to you.
SOLAS (www.solas.ie)
Email: info@solas.ieDisclaimer: All module titles are subject to change and for indicative purposes only. All courses are delivered subject to demand and timetables are subject to change. Elective Module options will only run subject to student numbers. The relevant Department will determine the viability of each elective module option proceeding depending on the number of students who choose that option. Students will be offered alternative elective modules on their programme should their preferred elective option not be proceeding. Award Options for Common Entry Programmes: The relevant Department will determine the viability of each award option proceeding depending on the number of students who choose either option. If the numbers for one of the Award options exceed available places, students for this option will be selected based on Academic Merit (highest grades).
