Apprentice Fitter Mechanic

1. The Position The Council is seeking applications from suitably qualified candidates, for a fixed term of four years, for an Apprentice Fitter Mechanic based in the Machinery Yard, Lifford. 2. Background Our apprentices are trained to the highest possible technical standards and acquires, amongst many other skills, the ability to maintain the various systems associated with modern Public Service vehicles and Construction Plant. This includes training on various day to day repairs and preventative maintenance tasks, in addition to vehicle diagnostics/fault finding with some of the most advanced systems of its kind in place. The apprenticeship normally comprises of seven phases, three off the job and four on the job. During all of these phases you are assessed on a structured ongoing basis. On the job training takes place with Donegal County Council during phases 1, 3, 5, 7, and off the job training phase 2, 4, 6 is designated by SOLAS. The successful candidate will be required to register with SOLAS within two weeks of commencement and pass all phases of the apprenticeship programme. The apprentice may be required at the discretion of Donegal County Council to undertake addtional training as determined from time to time. 3. Duties Core aspect and duties of the apprenticeship • Learning and developing new craft-related skills, knowledge and competencies. • Repairing plant and equipment both in workshop and onsite. • Working with and learning from experienced Craftsperson’s and developing team skills. • Comply with all Health and Safety requirements. • Working with machines and mechanical equipment and a wide range of hand and power tools and measuring devices. • Accepting responsibility for the quality of own work. • Being physically active and work in all weather conditions. • Using the special service tools, materials and equipment. • Reading and interpreting technical instructions and diagrams. • Ability to review and study plant maintenance manuals. • Diagnose and repair mechanical, electrical and electronic systems. • Dismantling, examining and re-assembling mechanical systems and components. • Testing electrical and electronic systems and components. • Record and communicate accurate work records or reports. • Development of good communication skills to ensure accurate information gathering. • Taking responsibility for own learning, including the allocation of study time. • Passing all phase exams ( theory, practical’s, skills demonstrations)

Other Duties • Carry out the duties & tasks as assigned and supervised by the Fitter Foreman in the Machinery Yard or his nominee. • Carry out house keeping duties such as cleaning and tidying in the workshop area and around the yard depot. • Be responsible for the safe keeping of all store parts and equipment. • Assist in the inspecton of vehicles and plant, and related equipment, determine and carry out necessary maintenance work on vehicles and plant, including, welding, body repair and use of diagnostics equipment. • Assist in the repair work, at off-site locations, including responding to road side breakdowns. • Comply with the Machinery Yards vehicle management system including record keeping and attending training. • Assist in the maintainance of records, on all repairs and work performed. Track service dates, and warranties for all council vehicles, and fully adhere to any management system that is in place. • Comply with the relevant Donegal County Council’s Health and Safety management system. 4. Qualifications & Requirements of the Post (a) Character Candidates shall be of good character. (b) Age The minimum age at which the employment of an apprentice may commence is 16 years of age. (c) Health Candidates shall be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service. Successful candidates will be required to undergo a medical examination carried out by the Council’s Occupational Health Doctor prior to appointment. (d) Education, Experience On the latest date for receipt of completed application forms, candidates shall have obtained the following minimum standards: 1. Grade D in five subjects in the Department of Education & Skills Junior Certificate Examination or an approved equivalent, OR 2. The successful completion of an approved Pre-Apprenticeship course OR 3. Three years’ work experience gained over sixteen years of age in a relevant designated industrial activity as SOLAS shall deem acceptable It should be noted that these are the current approved minimum educational requirements for apprenticeship programmes, however, previous experience of the following subjects would be an advantage but not essential: Mathematics, Technical Drawing/Graphics, Metalwork, Technology and Physics (e) Desirable Skills As an Apprentic Fitter Mechanic you will need to be physically active and be able to work with your hands. An awareness of health and safety and good housekeeping is essential as well as attention to detail. As an Apprentice Fitter Mechanic, the candidate will need: • To be physically fit; • To be able to cope with lifting, bending and stretching; To have good eye to hand coordination; • To be logical and patient in tracing faults and methodical in organising tasks, especially when taking apart and reassembling machines; • To be able to work at heights (required for certain tasks). 5. Particulars of the Post (a) General Donegal County Council proposes to create a panel of qualified candidates for the position of Apprentic Fitter Mechanic. (b) Probation The successful candidate shall be required to be on probation for an initial period, as determined by the Council. (c) Remuneration Remuneration will be in accordance with Solas apprenticeship programme for the Motor Industry, the weekly rates as set out below are in accordance with the Motor Rates advised by S.I.M.I – effective from 01st July 2023. Phase/Year Gross Wage Norm Phase 2 €212.29 per week Phase 4 €318.76 per week Phase 6 €478.13 per week 4th Year €573.76 per week For apprenticeships developed before 2016, the employer pays the apprentice whiles/he is being trained on-the-job. A training allowance is paid by the local ETB while the apprentice is attending the off-the-job training. This apprenticeship consists of four on-the-job phases (Phases 1, 3, 5 & 7) paid by the employer and three off-the-job phases (Phases 2, 4 & 6) paid by SOLAS. Apprentices will be invited to attend their off-the-job training phases in accordance with the SOLAS scheduling system. On successful completion of the apprenticeship programme, apprentices are qualified to work within the recognised trade or profession. (d) Base The base for the post shall be the Machinery Yard, Lifford, Co Donegal (e) Residence Holders of the post shall reside in the district in which their duties are to be performed or within a reasonable distance thereof. (f) Working Hours / Annual Leave The normal hours of work will be 39 hours per week. The Council reserves the right to alter the hours of work from time to time. The successful candidate may be required to enter into arrangements to work on an on-call rota basis and work out of hours including public holidays. Add wording at the end of current paragraph - Annual leave allowance will be in accordance with Circular LG(P) 07/2011. (g) Conflicts of Interest The post holder shall not engage in any gainful occupation, other than as an employee of a local authority, to such an extent as to impair the performance of his or her duties as an employee of a local authority or in any occupation which might conflict with the interests of the local authority or which might be inconsistent with the discharge of his duties as a local authority employee.