BY AUSTIN LYNCH
Kenny Whiteman works for Monaghan Brothers in Lisnaskea as a mechanic.
Kenny joined Monaghan Bros when he came out of school, in 1990, and began his apprenticeship. Eighteen years later, Kenny is still there servicing and repairing vehicles at the multi-franchise dealer.
He is a Senior Technician for Ford and a Master Technician for Hyundai. Kenny explained that mechanics are accredited through the ATA (Automotive Technician Accreditation). In 2006, he achieved the 'Master' technician level with Hyundai and has the distinction of being the only Master Technician for Hyundai in Northern Ireland, the highest standard you can reach.
For a mechanic to reach the various grades (senior, master), they have to complete a number of competencies to show they are up to date with the latest techniques and practices as set out by the ATA.
The ATA is a voluntary assessment programme for individuals working in the retail motor industry. It has the backing of major manufacturers and insurers.
"To achieve ATA shows you (as a mechanic) have reached a certain standard," says Kenny.
To achieve 'Master' grade, Kenny travelled to the RAC centre in Bescot where he had to complete a paper assessment and a manual assessment which involved diagnostic work throughout the Hyundai vehicle range.
Most days in the workshop start the same for Kenny, and the other mechanics / technicians in Monaghan's, reporting to the foreman and getting a worksheet for a customer vehicle.
"We do a lot of standard scheduled service checks which include checking/changing the oil, filters and brake pads. Basically, our work could include any job, from the front to the back of the car."
The mechanics work 'one person per vehicle' but they all work together (in the garage) if someone needs a hand or wants a bit of advice on a particular job.
'A garage is a good place to work and it's a good working environment. There is never a slack moment.'
"Once we've finished the service/work, numerous checks will be performed and the vehicle will be taken for a road test before being ready to hand back to the customer."
Kenny grew up on a farm where there was a lot of vehicles around. He has always had a keen interest in bikes and cars and thought a garage would be a good place to work: "A garage is a good place to work and it's a good working environment. There is never a slack moment."
Monaghan Bros are franchised dealers for Ford, Hyundai and Mitsubishi, and Kenny explained that, with the franchise, you have great help, through the use of new technologies and the information available through the internet.
"One of the good things about a dealership is that they know they have to keep up to date, and that a lot of training is required to keep mechanics up to date on the latest technologies. All of the boys in the workshop would be involved in some form of training," Kenny stressed. "A lot of training is required to keep up to date with the latest vehicles, and technology."
Last year, Kenny was called to go and compete the Hyundai Skills Olympics. Following a full day assessment - against the clock -he was informed he had come first in the UK. For this he won a number of prizes, including £2,000 in holiday vouchers.
But, there was more. For winning the UK Skills Olympics, Kenny was flown (business class) to Korea to take part in the 7th Hyundai World Skills Olympics.
"We were put up in the Millennium Hilton Hotel, given a tour of Seoul and were wined and dined by our hosts. It was a very enjoyable experience.
"We were also taken on a tour of the Hyundai factory and saw the entire production process - from where the first panels are cut right through to the finished vehicle undergoing final inspection and being driven off the production line.
Kenny finished the Olympics in the superior class and described the whole thing as 'brilliant'.
"Teamwork is what stands out at Monaghan Bros - if someone can't solve a problem, someone else will help you out," he said.
