The objective of the SIMI Training and Careers development service is to:

Make the motor industry more attractive for future entrants to all sectors.
Develop career paths for those entering and working in the industry.
Provide professional training and qualifications for all grades of employment in the industry.

The Society is committed to an innovative and progressive approach to career development in the industry, from new recruits to those in managerial positions. As part of this commitment the Society has developed a portfolio of training programmes for members, from short courses to management development programs.

The Society is fortunate to have also developed strong links with many motor industry training specialists. SIMI offers members a wide range of training programmes for all sectors

SIMI Skillnet management team are available to discuss any queries that our businesses or trainees have regarding our scheduled training programmes and supports for businesses. 

We are also available to discuss your queries about any other future programmes we offer to businesses within the Motor Industry sector/region. 

Our Network contact details are. 
Name: Ami Fox, Network Manager 
Email: afox@simi.ie

Further information is also available on the Skillnet Ireland website

SIMI Skillnet reserves the right to cancel an event where it is deemed non-viable. If an event is cancelled, registrants will be offered a full refund where payment has already been made. Please see SIMI Skillnet Cancellation Policy for further information.

The Training Department can provide you with the support, and materials to develop these relationships but, for it to work; we need you and your staff to get involved, here are some of the ways that you can: volunteer to participate in school liaison events or identify someone in your staff who would have an interest in participating, register with your Centre Committee or with the Training Committee.

Occupational Profiles

The Society has composed the following list of occupational profiles which provided a detailed description of the different professions and what they entail.

Traditionally viewed as a male dominated Industry, times have changed as more and more of our female colleagues are present within the sector employed in a variety of roles.

Hear what some of the women working within the Industry had to say and their advice for those thinking of a career in the Motor Industry.

SIMI has worked closely with SOLAS (formerly FÁS) in recent years to develop occupational profiles and training plans for employees in the Motor Industry. A training specification for each occupation has been designed in the QA58/01 standard and sets out clearly the knowledge, skills and competencies required for each occupation. Training is delivered in modular system to facilitate the release of employees for off the job training for one or two session. SIMI as part of a strategic alliance have run a number of funded training programmes for the Motor Industry over many years and hope to continue to do so in the future.

SIMI Links with Europe

Since 2006 SIMI has been working closely with a number of European Partners on the ECVET Project. The project is concerned with EUROPEAN MOBILITY and ‘ECVET’ refers to European Credits for Vocational Education and Training, and specifically relates to the mobility of training when the trainee moves from one training context to another. (The ECVET system facilitates the transparency and the accessibility of training programme based on competences in Europe).

ECVET Example

A company manager, in a heavy vehicle repair company, has noticed that some of his mechanics were not able to communicate with foreign HGV drivers and had difficulty in diagnosing some vehicle faults. He decided to offer his trainees the opportunity to participate in European mobility programme. In cooperation with his local training centre, he identified the most appropriated training programme in Europe thanks to ECVET system. A partner abroad agreed to join the project and to supervise the trainees stays.

The trainees have completed 3 weeks in a relevant training programme according to the company’s needs. The trainees came back with new skills and are able to communicate with foreign drivers.

Benefits for companies/employers:

• The employers will gain from the ECVET system as their technicians will broaden their knowledge, skills and competencies
• They will also benefit from their technicians becoming more experienced and confident in dealing with customers/clients/drivers through English.
• Companies will learn more about work practices in other countries

The European commission funds Mobility programmes for trainees in vocational education and training (Leonardo Mobility programme), in general of 3 weeks duration.