Gilpin Automotive Ltd

26/10/2025

24/09/2025

If you drive a car with a VW Group diesel engine don’t ignore a noise on start up, it sounds a bit like a squeaking fan belt but in reality the timing belt comes apart, this car was only in for brakes when we heard the noise and investigated, preventative maintenance saving the customer lots of money today!

24/08/2025

With tomorrow being the last day of the school holidays we will be closed for some family time, see you on Tuesday

14/07/2025

Hi folks that’s us closed until 21st July, thanks for your business so far this year

27/06/2025

Light Vehicle Technician Apprentice
Location: Gilpin Automotive workshop, Ballynure, Co. Antrim (full-time) with block-release to Transport Training Services, Nutts Corner
Qualification: NVQ Level 2 & 3 in Motor Vehicle Maintenance & Repair (awarded by IMI via TTS)
Start Date: September 2025 (for school leavers completing exams summer 2025)
Application Deadline: Rolling – apply as soon as possible

About Gilpin Automotive

Founded in January 2009 by Stephen Gilpin, Gilpin Automotive is the go-to independent specialist for Volkswagen-Audi Group vehicles across Northern Ireland. Based in Ballynure, our family-run workshop delivers factory-standard servicing, diagnostic, and repair work at a competitive price. We pride ourselves on technical excellence, outstanding customer care, and a supportive team environment.

The Apprenticeship

As a Light Vehicle Technician Apprentice, you will:

Learn on-the-job: work full-time alongside our VW-group specialists on routine servicing, diagnostics, MOT preparation and repairs.

Block-release training: attend TTS at Nutts Corner one week every six to complete practical workshops, theory lessons and online learning.

Gain qualifications: achieve IMI-accredited NVQ Level 2 & 3 in Motor Vehicle Maintenance & Repair over a three-year programme.

Progress your skills: master VW/Audi/SEAT/Škoda diagnostic tools and factory-level equipment under expert mentorship.

Who We’re Looking For

School Leaver (finishing summer 2025): no prior industry experience required – just a real enthusiasm for cars.

Strong foundation: good communication, numeracy and basic IT skills; GCSEs (or equivalent) in English & Maths advantageous.

Positive attitude: reliable, punctual, hardworking and eager to learn both in the workshop and at block release.

Driving ambition: ideally with a UK driving licence (or working towards it).

What We Offer

Fully-funded training: no college fees for under-25s via ApprenticeshipsNI.

Apprentice wage: competitive pay, increasing as you progress through NVQ levels.

Hands-on mentoring: learn direct from VW-group trained technicians in a family-run setting.

Career pathway: clear progression to fully qualified technician, with opportunities to specialise in diagnostics or workshop supervision.

Why This Is a Great Opportunity

Industry demand: qualified VW/Audi specialists are in high demand—set yourself up for a secure, skilled career.

Family-run culture: you’ll be part of the Gilpin “family,” where every team member’s growth and success is valued.

State-of-the-art equipment: work with the latest VAG diagnostic software and factory tools.

Long-term investment: we invest in your development from apprentice right through to senior technician roles.

How to Apply

Please send the following to [email protected]:

Cover Letter (max. 1 page): why you’re passionate about mechanics, what you hope to achieve as an apprentice, and why Gilpin Automotive is the perfect place to start your career.

CV: outline any academic results, work experience, part-time jobs or extracurricular activities that show your work ethic, reliability or mechanical interest.

References (optional): details of a teacher, coach or previous employer who can vouch for your enthusiasm and character.

We look forward to welcoming our next apprentice into the Gilpin Automotive family!

09/06/2025

WJ Blair Accident Repairs based Doagh, Ballyclare. Your local garage for car body damage and repairs. We work with all insurance companies and can handle all the paperwork for you. Courtesy vehicles supplied. Private work also welcomed.

03/03/2025

We are still looking for a mechanic to join us, any enquiries just give me a call!

Hi folks we are in need of a mechanic to join our very busy garage, we would prefer a full time mechanic with experience but will consider a 3rd year apprentice, part time hours may also be available.

Contact me if you have an interest

Stephen 07525909273

[email protected]

23/01/2025

Due to tomorrow’s weather warning we have taken the decision to close tomorrow, open as usual 9am Monday, Stephen will contact anyone due in, stay safe everyone!

07/01/2025

Hi folks the Ballybracken Road is fairly bad this morning, the snow has frozen and it’s just started to snow again, I would advise only travelling here if absolutely necessary, stay safe

Thanks

24/12/2024

Merry Christmas to one and all, thank you to our customers for keeping us busy in 2024, it’s been our busiest one yet, sorry for the lack of social media posts that’s our New Year’s resolution!

Thanks to our staff for keeping the wheels turning, we hope everyone has a nice Christmas and a happy new year, we are back open on the 2nd January.

Thank you

05/07/2024

Hi Folks, the holidays are calling! We will be closed next week re opening on 15th July Thanks

02/03/2024

Hi folks we are in need of a mechanic to join our very busy garage, we would prefer a full time mechanic with experience but will consider a 3rd year apprentice, part time hours may also be available.

Contact me if you have an interest

Stephen 07525909273

[email protected]