Aer Lingus is restarting its popular Apprentices Scheme this year, for the first time since 2014. It’s inviting applications for 10 new apprentices to join the 2017 Maintenance and Engineering Apprentice training programme in September. It said that it’s keen to encourage more female candidates to come forward to take part in the recruitment process.
The current scheme started in 2011 and ran in 2012, 2013 and 2014, with Aer Lingus hiring 46 apprentices from the programme. The airline said the new intake is to meet the demand for increased long and short haul flights, in line with the increase in routes and passenger numbers.
The four-year programme is run in conjunction with SOLAS, based in Shannon, and with DIT in Dublin. The programme has seven phases and through each phase successful applicants will move between class room training in either of the two facilities as well as 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.
The airline is expanding its transatlantic offering this year with the introduction of two new A330s in 2016. This summer Aer Lingus will welcome a further two A330s with further aircraft due in 2019 and 2020. The airline’s latest cadet pilot programme commenced in January 2017.
The application process will consist of a CV application online followed by psychometric assessments. Chosen candidates will then be invited to assessment centres. Applicants need to be 16 years of age by March 1, 2017, with a minimum level of Junior Certificate. Aer Lingus said it is also keen to hear from Leaving Certificate or degrees holders. It said prospective apprentices “will need to be motivated and enthusiastic, be technically minded, have very good communication skills and work well in teams. Applicants should be dedicated to the programme and to a future career with Aer Lingus as at the end of the scheme the aim is for apprentices to be fully qualified Aircraft Engineers and continue to work at 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 through our apprentice programmes. Following substantial growth at the airline and the introduction of new aircraft and increased routes, we are delighted to be able to provide this apprentice scheme once again to 10 new applicants looking for an exciting and challenging career.”
Full details are available at www.aerlingus.com/careers. Learn more about the Maintenance & Engineering apprentices programme at https://youtu.be/BwOhKu7OL8Q
