Aer Lingus launches Aircraft Engineer Apprenticeship Programme

AER Lingus has launched its 2024 Aircraft Engineer Apprentice Programme and is keen to encourage a diverse mix of candidates.

Successful applicants who complete the programme will be fully qualified aircraft engineers and will have the opportunity to forge their career at Aer Lingus, working as part of the maintenance and engineering team and also have the unique opportunity to work on the most up-to-date aviation technology and more sustainable aircraft, including the Airbus Neo series. This forward-looking programme helps to ensure Aer Lingus has access to talented and qualified engineers for future growth.

Aer Lingus has a long and proud history supporting apprentices, having first developed an aircraft apprentice programme in 1962. In more recent times, since 2011, Aer Lingus has supported the careers of 154 aircraft engineers who worked with the airline having graduated from the apprenticeship.

The four-year programme, run in conjunction with both SOLAS, the State’s further education and training agency, based in Shannon and Technological University Dublin, will provide an opportunity for budding engineers to gain hands-on experience while becoming fully qualified Aircraft Engineers.

Commencing in September 2024, the fully funded and paid programme is a combination of classroom learning and practical experience, with a focus on line-maintenance and the delivery of Aer Lingus’ customer experience. Initially, the training will take place in Dublin, followed by time spent in Shannon in the first year before returning to Dublin to finish the programme. Upon completion, apprentices will have the opportunity to continue working with Aer Lingus as fully qualified aircraft engineers.

Aer Lingus Chief Technical Officer, Javier Jimenez, said: “The Aer Lingus 2024 Aircraft Engineer Apprentice Programme provides an excellent opportunity for aspiring aircraft engineers to gain practical experience and become fully qualified aircraft engineers at our airline.

“We have a rich history of providing initial career opportunities. Our apprenticeship programme continues in that wonderful tradition and enables us to develop raw talent that is crucial to evolving our Maintenance and Engineering team. With only 10 places available, we encourage anyone interested to apply as early as possible.”

Successful applicants will need to demonstrate strong technical and mechanical skills, enthusiasm, determination, and a willingness to commit to the programme’s four-year duration.

They must also have excellent communication skills and the ability to work on their initiative while contributing effectively as part of a team.

Candidates can apply online now via the careers page on the Aer Lingus website by submitting a CV application, and if they meet the essential criteria, they will be invited to complete an online assessment and an interview. Applicants must be at least 18 years old by 1st September 2024.

The application process for the 2024 Programme is now underway at www.aerlingus.com and will remain open until March 19.