The Mechanics Association of Ireland has helped to ensure that the automotive aftermarket has a strong representation at the Ireland Skills Live event which is taking place at the RDS Simmonscourt in Dublin from March 21st to 23rd.

Ireland Skills Live aims to highlight training and apprenticeship opportunities across a diverse range of industries and also this year features the National Skills Finals, a unique showcase of over 20 varied skills in a competitive setting with the winners in each event having the opportunity to represent Ireland at the World Skills Olympics in Russia. The event is attended by many thousands of school students from all over the country, keen to see career paths and training opportunities that are available to them.

With the automotive aftermarket facing a damaging skills shortage at present, having a strong presence at this event was essential for the industry to attract new apprentices, however, this was under question after the withdraw of a major sponsor.  Recognising this, the Mechanics Association of Ireland (MAI), stepped in and working with representatives from various ETBs and Colleges,  provided the required, vehicles, equipment and expertise to not only ensure strong industry representation, but also to facilitate the National Skills Automobile Technology Final. This was done with the assistance of several aftermarket suppliers including J&S Automotive, Ryans Automotive and Redmount.

The competition is being contested by four semi final winners, Jack Comer, Steven White, Declan Moore and Colin Byrne. They are tested on both the theory and practice of various aspects of automotive technology including; Engine overhaul, Transmission overhaul, Petrol and Diesel engine technology, Brakes & ABS, Steering and Suspension technology and Body Electrics technology. In each category they perform practical tasks and are assessed by expert assessors Peter Kenny from TU Dublin, Austin Kearns, GMIT, Adrian Cunningham, WIT, Anthony Hoey, DKIT, and Noel O’Halloran, CIT.  

The MAI organised for the winners of each of the various categories to receive an award sponsored by industry suppliers. The overall winner will have the opportunity to represent Ireland at the World Skills event in Russia.

As well as the competition, Ireland Skills Live has provided a vital showcase for the automotive aftermarket and has given the opportunity for representatives from the MAI and supporting companies to speak to hundreds of young people who are in the process of formulating further education and career plans. The feedback from these potential young recruits to the industry was extremely positive with many seeing for the first time the diverse range of careers on offer in the automotive sector and the hi-tech nature of the industry.

One of the key objectives of the MAI is the promotion of industry apprentices as well as ongoing training for mechanics and technicians. As such the MAI is also supporting Autoinform Live, Ireland’s largest ever automotive aftermarket training event aimed at mechanics, technicians and garage owners which take place in Cork on April 27th and 28th.