Shannon-based Atlantic Aviation Group (AAG) is hoping to recruit the next generation of aircraft maintenance engineers and solve global skills needs with new trainee and apprenticeship opportunities for 45 people, starting in June and September. There is a worldwide shortage of qualified aircraft maintenance engineers, making it one of the most sought after skillsets in global aviation. To address the skills gap, AAG, which operates its own training academy, has teamed up with the Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board (LCETB) and SOLAS Learning Works to offer more than 45 roles through four-year apprenticeship or two-year traineeship programmes.
With this new announcement, the Atlantic Aviation Group has also released a new name for its training division – the Atlantic Aviation Group Training Academy (AAGTA), based at its Shannon headquarters. Since Atlantic Aviation Group’s acquisition of Lufthansa Technik Shannon Ltd. in March 2022, the company has worked to integrate its two training schools – Atlantic Aviation Institute and Shannon Aviation Training Academy (formerly known as Lufthansa Technik Shannon Aviation Training School). Both training schools will now move forward as a fully integrated training team and will be formally known as the Atlantic Aviation Group Training Academy.
Commenting on the new apprenticeships, the Atlantic Aviation Group Chief Aviation Services Officer, Eva O’Keeffe said, “As well as addressing our skills needs here at AAG, there is a global shortage of qualified aircraft engineers, making this an extremely valuable skill and exciting career to embark on. Through our Training Academy and partnership with the Limerick and Clare Education Training Board we are committed to running three CAT A Traineeship classes this year to address this skill shortage”
Also commenting was James Power of the Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board who added, “Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board has an ongoing commitment to supporting the aviation sector in the region. Shannon Campus has a long history of delivering training on aircraft maintenance dating back to 1989 with Shannon Aerospace and is delighted to continue that tradition with Atlantic Aviation Group. There is no doubt that the qualification gained from this training is recognised worldwide and is a passport for a successful learner to travel and work in the aviation sector.”
The qualifications awarded through Atlantic Aviation Group – including a Category B1 licence for qualified apprentices – allow engineers to work anywhere in the world. Further details on the courses can be found here.
