Aer Lingus has launched its annual aircraft maintenance and engineering apprentice scheme and is calling on motivated, enthusiastic, and technically minded candidates to apply for the four-year programme. At the end of the scheme the aim is for apprentices to be fully qualified aircraft engineers and continue to work at Aer Lingus.
Aer Lingus is offering 10 placements on the scheme this year. There is a particular emphasis in attracting female applicants and building on the number of female apprentices at the airline.
30% of successful applicants last year were female
Thirty per cent of the successful applicants last year were female. Women now make up 48 per cent of all employees at Aer Lingus, and the airline has re-iterated its commitment to supporting female talent across the airline.
The scheme is run in conjunction with SOLAS, based in Shannon, and Technological University Dublin. It consists of seven phases and through each phase successful applicants will move between classroom training in either of the two facilities and on-the-job training at the Aer Lingus maintenance and engineering hangar at Dublin airport. Apprentices will be working primarily on line maintenance and will be focused on delivery of Aer Lingus’ guest experience.
Aer Lingus chief technical officer and former Aer Lingus apprentice Fergus Wilson said: “Aer Lingus has a proud history of providing young people with career opportunities. Since we launched the aircraft apprentice scheme in 2011, we have hired 66 apprentices via the programme.
"This year we are again looking for highly motivated and technically minded candidates to apply for the competitive programme. With our unique brand, world-class reputation and modern fleet, Aer Lingus is at the forefront of commercial aviation, giving successful candidates the opportunity to be part of something special.”
Hannah Richardson, Aer Lingus apprentice said: “I joined the Aer Lingus apprentice scheme in 2017 one of three females out of 10 applicants. I was studying aviation technology at the time of the application.
'Enjoy working with your hands and technology'
"If you enjoy working with your hands and technology it is a career path I’d highly recommend for both young females and males, the training both in the class and on the job is a great grounding for a career in engineering.”
The application process consists of submitting a CV application in the first instance. Applicants need to be 18 years of age by September 1, 2019. Successful candidates will have a technical and mechanical aptitude and also display maturity, commitment, flexibility, and a willingness to accept responsibility. Excellent communication, interpersonal and teamwork skills are also essential qualities.
The application process for the 2019 programme is now under way at
http://careers.aerlingus.com and will remain open until May 1.