Motor Mechanics - Apprenticeship
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.
| Award Name | Level 6 Advanced Certificate (Level 6 NFQ) |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | Major |
| Awarding Body | QQI |
| NFQ Level | Level 6 NFQ |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 6 Advanced Certificate (Level 6 NFQ) | Major | QQI | Level 6 NFQ |
Duration
1 Term/Phase.
The apprenticeship system is a modular standards based system generally comprising of 7 alternating phases of on-the-job and off-the-job training and development. These alternating phases of training consist of 3 off-the-job and 4 on-the-job phases. The duration of the 3 off the-job training phases does not normally exceed 40 weeks.
The off-the-job phases are delivered by a Training Centre, an Institute of Technology or another approved training provider. The key factor in delivery of an off-the-job training phase is that it is delivered in a single training environment to ensure the integration of practical training with the necessary theoretical and personal skills.
You will attend Dundalk Institute of Technology for Phase 4 and Phase 6 of the Standards Based Apprenticeship. Both phases last between 10 and 11 weeks.
On-the-Job / Off-the-Job:
PHASE 1: On-the-Job with the Employer (Minimum 3 months)
PHASE 2: Off-the-Job with Training Centre (Up to 20 Weeks)
PHASE 3: On-the-Job with the Employer (Minimum 6 months)
PHASE 4: Off-the-Job Institute of Technology (10 - 11 Weeks)
PHASE 5: On-the-Job with the Employer (Minimum 6 months)
PHASE 6: Off-the-Job Institute of Technology (10 or 11 Weeks)
PHASE 7: On-the-Job with the Employer (Minimum 3 months)
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.
Careers / Further progression
Career Options
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.
Progression Options
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 meet other special entry requirements.
Further information on progression from Advanced Certificate - Craft to levels 7 and 8 are available on the QQI website.
Further information
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.
Apprentices are paid the agreed Industrial Apprentice Wage Rate by the employer (the actual rate paid may vary depending on the occupation and employer). Generally, rates are based on the year and increase during the apprenticeship; details should be checked with the prospective employer.
During off-the-job training, all apprentices are paid an Apprentice Allowance and, where appropriate, a contribution towards travel or accommodation costs.
There are also grants to encourage employers to recruit and register Female Apprentices.
Apply to: Admissions Office, DkIT.
Application forms are available from www.dkit.ie
Course Description
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.
About this Programme
Apprenticeship is the recognised means by which people are trained to become craftspeople in Ireland. The main craft trades have been designated by SOLAS and come within the scope of the Statutory Apprenticeship system, which is organised in Ireland by SOLAS in co-operation with the Department of Education and Skills, 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 apprenticeship system is a modular standards based system generally comprising of 7 alternating phases of on-the-job and off-the-job training and development. These alternating phases of training consist of 3 off-the-job and 4 on-the-job phases. The duration of the 3 off-the-job training phases does not normally exceed 40 weeks.
The off-the-job phases are delivered by a Training Centre, an Institute of Technology or another approved training provider. The key factor in delivery of an off-the-job training phase is that it is delivered in a single training environment to ensure the integration of practical training with the necessary theoretical and personal skills.
What Apprenticeships can I do in DkIT?
Dundalk Institute of Technology provides the educational service for Phase 4 and Phase 6 of the Standards Based Apprenticeship system in the following Trade/Crafts:
Carpentry & Joinery
Electrical
Motor Mechanics
Plumbing
The education and training structure common to all trades delivered at DkIT consists of the following phases:
Phase 1: On-the-job training with the employer (12 weeks)
Phase 2: Off-the-job training with ETB (20 to 22 weeks)
Phase 3: On-the-job training with the employer
Phase 4: Off-the-job training with the Institute of Technology (10 - 11 weeks)
Phase 5: On-the-job training with the employer
Phase 6: Off-the-job training with the Institute of Technology (10 - 11 weeks)
Phase 7: On-the-job training with the employer
The Department is sub-divided into a number of sections that deliver the phase 4 and phase 6 training course.
Subjects Phase 4 consists of 8 Modules (10 Weeks in total)
• Module 1 Engine Mechanical
• Module 2 Body Electrics
• Module 3 Braking Systems
• Module 4 Transmission
• Module 5 Petrol Fuel Injection
• Module 6 Steering and Suspension
• Module 7 Compression Ignition
• Module 8 Service-Quality and Management
Assessment at Phase 4 is conducted at the end-of-term
• P1 to P7 Practical’s
• TI Theory
• T2 Theory
Phase 6 consists of 6 Modules (10 Weeks in total)
• Module 1 Petrol Engine Management System
• Module 2 Steering and Suspension
• Module 3 Brakes
• Module 4 Transmission
• Module 5 Body Electrics
• Module 6 Compression Ignition
Assessment at Phase 6 is conducted at the end of-term.
• P1 to P7 Practical’s
• TI Theory
• T2 Theory
Gerard Galligan (Head of Section for Electrical and Motor Trades)
Email: Gerard.Galligan@dkit.ie
LMETB - Solas Training Centre (Senior Training Advisor)
Phone: +353 42 9355702
Email: recep.rst@lmetb.ie
SOLAS (www.solas.ie)
Phone: +353 1 6070500
Email: info@solas.ie