Minister Simon Harris welcomes AA Ireland efforts to tackle mechanic shortage
- Minister tours AA Ireland facility in Ballymount, Dublin
- Shortage of trained mechanics and skilled technicians in Ireland
- Need to future proof with rapidly expanding sales of Electric Vehicles
- AA Ireland rolling out Approved Dealers and Service Centres.
Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Simon Harris TD toured the new facility AA Ireland Training Academy, Powered by Autotech Training, in Ballymount, Dublin to see how the company are addressing the need for a skilled workforce to keep the Irish fleet in good working order and make the roads safer.
Minister Harris said "I am delighted to be here today to experience first-hand the newly launched AA Training Academy. We know that to future proof our society we must invest in our people and in their education. I want to pay tribute to the AA on being a valued and long-standing employer in Ireland. This new world class training facility will help train and upskill mechanics and is a very crucial step in addressing the current skills gap for trained mechanics and technicians in Ireland."
The AA Training Academy, Powered by Autotech Training, is open to all businesses looking to train or upskill their workforce. Previous trainees include staff from rail operators and some of the biggest car brands operating in Ireland. There is a special focus on Electric Vehicles at the moment.
Minister Harris also took a tour of the Service Centre’s facilities with AA Ireland Chief Operating Officer, Simon Benson who pointed out how crucial skilled technicians and mechanics are to keeping Ireland moving.
Mr Benson said "we have seen, first-hand, how difficult it is to hire mechanics and skilled technicians. It is crucial that we have appropriately trained personnel to keep Ireland’s car fleet in good working order, and to make the roads a safer place to be.”
The AA Ireland are rolling out numerous Approved Dealer and Service centers. The aim is to help the Irish motorist make more informed and trusted decisions when it comes to buying and servicing their cars. Anyone interested can visit www.theaa.ie for more information.
AA Ireland Head of Communications, Blake Boland, said that the visit was a resounding success. He commented that, "we were delighted to welcome Minister Harris to our facility today. It is a positive sign that the current government is showing a keen interest in the national car fleet and keeping it in good working order. With support like this from the Irish government, we can continue to train and upskill our workforce to future-proof our mechanics. Sales of Electric Vehicles are expanding at a rapid rate, and we need facilities like this to train Ireland’s mechanics to be ready for the transition."
The AA Training Academy, Powered by Autotech Training, was opened in 2023 and replicates Autotech Training’s successful headquarters in the UK. www.theaa.ie