1 July 2015
By Bryan T. Smyth
bryan@TheCork.ie
Ireland’s major motoring organisation and insurance provider is hiring qualified mechanics to join its fleet of roadside Patrols. But the AA’s recruitment drive has hit a roadblock (pun intended) in Co. Cork, coming against a shortage of qualified mechanics to fill their two roles on offer.
“I suppose it is a good sign for our recovering economy,” said AA’s Director of Consumer Affairs Conor Faughnan (a household name). “We are certainly adding jobs this year and right now we need qualified and time-served mechanics to join us as AA Patrols. We are surprised but we have not been able to find enough candidates in Cork yet where we need to fill two positions.”
AA Patrols need to be more than just mechanics. A modern AA van is more like a mobile garage, carrying sophisticated electronics and the capability to attend to any car on the road. Eighty-percent of AA call-outs end with the car driving away.
“Of course our Patrols have the best training and the best equipment but there is more to their role than the technical side of it,” says Faughnan. “An AA Patrol has to be a natural with people. We serve members of all ages with all sorts of car problems. To be honest most of the time fixing the car is the easy part; we also have to make sure that the person feels well cared for, respected and helped. AA Members know that an AA Patrol is unique on the road.”
Lar Byrne, AA Patrol of the Year, who currently features in their new TV advert: “I’ve worked as a Patrol for seven years now and it’s a job I love. There’s great reward in being that person who literally comes to the rescue when someone is caught unawares by a breakdown.”
The AA is determined to find two new Patrols like Lar in Cork, for 20/hr contracts plus call-outs. Applicants wishing to apply should be fully qualified, time served mechanics ideally with an E or B (car) licence. Good customer service skills are also a must given the nature of the role and the importance of delivering a top quality AA experience for their Members.
Candidates who wish to apply for the role should send their CV directly to personnel@theaa.ie
