Book Description

A study viewed the existing motor vehicle sector, structure, and trading conditions and identified and analyzed the best and most significant continuing vocational training practices in Ireland. In 1991, the motor vechicle sector accounted for 6.2 percent of the Gross National Product. Employment in the sector has decreased from an estimated 24,000 in 1988 to 17,000 in 1992. The impact of legislation on the Irish motor industry was significant, requiring those engaged in the industry to cope with a wide variety of laws and statutory instruments. The industry has been well served by the statutory scheme for apprentices. Companies involved in four case studies were a component manufacturer, Nissan, Ford, and Volkswagen/Audi. Each case study described the case, the firm, providers of continuing vocational education, training policy of the firm, evaluation of the training concepts, and conclusions in relation to best practice and normal practice. The case studies demonstrated the organization of work at distributor level was very professional. At no time in the history of the motor industry in Ireland did polarization of skills (within trades) occur; all-round skills were found necessary for the survival of the dealership. The relationship between franchise dealers and the distributors was very good. The only regulated training was apprenticeship. Indicated trends were static or slightly increased employment in the motor vehicle sector and training needs that correspond to the overall development of vehicle technology and design. (YLB)