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The Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) has announced that it's looking for 150 trainees to start four-year apprenticeships in the motor industry. The announcement, made at the Intreo Careers Fair, Dublin Castle, includes slots for motor mechanics, heavy vehicle mechanics, body repairers, agricultural machinery mechanics and construction plant fitters.
Registering though SOLAS, each candidate must find an employer to take them on for the duration of the four-year apprenticeship. SOLAS will then oversee the training programme and award of the National Craft Certificate standard. Details of the companies that are currently part of the apprenticeship programme can be found on the SIMI website.
Regina Doherty, TD Minister for Employment Affairs & Social Protection, present at the announcement, commented: "I am delighted that SIMI and the Irish motor industry is taking part in Jobs Week and it's great to see so many opportunities available within the sector. These apprenticeships are a great example of the scope and scale of opportunity available within our growing economy and reflect the variety of careers we have been highlighting all week."
Brian Cooke, SIMI Director General Designate, said "This is a wonderful opportunity for those who wish to pursue a technical career while experiencing both a college and a working environment. With the transition underway to cutting edge automotive technologies, such as electric cars, hybrid vehicles, and autonomous vehicles, gather pace there has never been a more exciting time to be a part of the industry."
Right now, there's a shortage of apprentices coming through in the car industry, says SIMI, so this is a golden opportunity for someone who fancies getting paid for working on cars and trucks. The Irish motor industry and car trade currently employs more than 42,000 people across various roles - a figure that has risen in recent years in spite of the battering that the trade has been taking from cheap UK imports.