Working Life

The main Air Corps base is at Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel, Co. Dublin. The Air Corps is involved in a wide range of activities such as joint operations with the Army, Naval Service and Gardaí, Search and Rescue missions, Air Ambulance missions, Ministerial Air Transport, Irish/EU fishery patrols and VIP flights for visiting dignitaries.   
  
To carry out these tasks, the Air Corps has over forty aircraft which, to keep in operation, require a large range of specialist skills not just from pilots but from aircraft engineers, technicians and mechanics, backed by Air Traffic Controllers and Flight Operations staff. They are employed to learn a specialist skill of trade relevant to the efficient running of the Corps. The air-crafts need to be maintained, repaired, refuelled and serviced.   
  
The purpose of the Air Corps Apprentice Scheme is to provide military trades persons for the Air Corps. The Scheme offers the successful Apprentice an opportunity to become an efficient and disciplined soldier and provides training as Aircraft Mechanics, both Mechanical and Avionic.   
  
The system of training is equivalent to that of a first-class civilian workshop practice and should ensure the attainment of the highest qualifications. The Apprenticeship courses in the Air Corps Apprentice School have been adapted to comply with FÁS Standard Based Apprenticeship Schemes.   
  
The Trade Union organisations have agreed that personnel trained and qualified under the Air Corps Apprenticeship schemes may be accepted as qualified trades persons and, on return to civilian life, may be admitted as members of the appropriate Trade Unions.

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

 Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

 Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

 Investigative

The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.

Competitions for apprentices are usually advertised in national media. All eligible candidates will be requested to attend for preliminary interview at one of the selected locations around the country. Candidates who reach a satisfactory standard at this interview will be required at a later date to attend for assessment tests and a medical examination, see Military.ie.   
  
Successful candidates are required to enlist for service in the Defence Forces for a total period of twelve years comprising nine years in the Permanent Defence Force and three years in the Reserve Defence Force. They will also be required to register their apprenticeship with SOLAS.   
  
An Aircraft Mechanic undertakes Electrical, Electronic, Instruments, Radio and Radar subjects leading to a specialisation in the avionic area of aircraft maintenance. A large portion of the programme is devoted to practical work on airframes and aero-engines, aircraft components and aircraft systems.   
  
The period of apprenticeship is three and a half years. The training comprises of alternating phases of academic and practical training modules. Academic training is carried out in the Air Corps Technical Training School, Baldonnel, by qualified instructors.   
  
The 'on the job' training modules are carried out in operational Air Corps maintenance units under the supervision of selected aircraft mechanics. During the practical phases, each Apprentice will become familiar with the maintenance practices used on the Air Corps Aircraft Fleet. During the final phases, the Aircraft Mechanic Apprentice will specialise on Instrumentation Electrical and Communications Systems of all aircraft types.   
  
On completion of his/her Apprenticeship, the newly qualified Aircraft Mechanic will become an integral part of the Air Corps maintenance team providing maintenance backup to the Air Corps Aircraft Fleet. He/she will normally be based with an Air Corps unit within the State as well as being liable for duties overseas with the Permanent Defence Force.

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €18k - €38k

Salaries vary by experience, level in rank, allowances. 

On enlistment 1 Weeklty range of €357.44 to €621.08. 

After 1 years service 2 €418.72 
After 2 years service 3 €537.29 
After 3 years service 4 €621.08 
Defence Forces Rates of Pay

Data Source(s):
Military.ie

Last Updated: March, 2024

Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Vehicle technicians, mechanics and electricians, Vehicle body builders and repairers, Vehicle paint technicians, Aircraft maintenance and related trades, Boat and ship builders and repairers, Rail and rolling stock builders and repairers.

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2024).

Vehicle technicians and mechanics account for the majority share of employment in this occupation. Employment growth was below average with employment declining marginally since 2022. Employment permits issued in 2023 related mainly to vehicle roadworthiness testers and aircraft mechanics. The large volume of job adverts through the DSP were for vehicle roadworthiness testers along with various mechanics (aircraft, HGV and car). Skills for Growth data highlights issues recruiting HGV mechanics and auto electricians.

The number of apprenticeship awards issued for aircraft mechanics remains small (28 in 2023). Awards for HGV mechanics rose from 78 in 2022 to 115 in 2023; new apprenticeship registrations in 2023 for this role were higher than seen previously at 232 persons. The number of awards for motor mechanics stood at 225 awards in 2023 although new apprenticeship registrations were substantially higher in 2021 and 2022, indicating increases in awards for this trade in the short-to-medium term.

Given the lack of employment growth in this occupation, issues with sourcing HGV mechanics should ease in the short-term with increased numbers undertaking apprenticeships and the recent removal of this occupation from the ineligible list for employment permits (along with bus/car mechanics) subject to a quota of 200 general employment permits. Upskilling/reskilling will be a key requirement for these roles as we move increasingly towards electric vehicles.

• Specialist Competition

  • Human Resources Section, Defence Force Headquarters, Colaiste Caoimhin, Mobi Road, Dublin 7
  • (01) 8042149

• Defence Forces, Recruitment & Competitions Section

  • Department of Defence,Station Road, Newbridge, Co. Kildare
  • 1890 42 65 55
  • [email protected]
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