Aircraft Maintenance Apprenticeship – Atlantic Aviation Group
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Aircraft Maintenance Apprenticeship

Start Your Career In Aircraft Maintenance

Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Apprenticeship

Our prestigious Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Apprenticeship programme has produced award-winning apprentices at national and world levels. Successful completion of this apprenticeship leads to obtaining an Aircraft Maintenance License and the opportunity to work in an exciting industry.


What does an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer do?

Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (AMEs) are employed throughout the aviation industry. They are responsible for many types of aircraft. Engineers inspect, maintain, modify and repair air frames, engines and avionics. There is also a large amount of sheet metal repairs and corrosion removal on air frames during hangar visits. The aviation industry is regulated in Europe by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), in America by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and in Ireland, by the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA).


What does the Apprenticeship programme cover?

The programme covers Engineering plus an introduction to Avionics, Aircraft Structures, Jet Engines and Systems. On finishing this programme, apprentices are awarded the National Craft Certificate by Quality Qualifications Ireland and an Aircraft Maintenance Engineers Licence by the Irish Aviation Authority.
Note: The Aircraft Maintenance Engineers Licence is the aviation maintenance industry’s basic qualification, which recognises the holder as a qualified Aircraft Maintenance Engineer. This licence is recognised internationally.


Learn from the best

Our qualified trainers and assessors use proven training methods and goals with each student. We believe that quality speaks for itself, whether it is in Aircraft Maintenance or in training our staff. The high quality of our service is recognised throughout the industry.


What is involved?

The career of an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer is challenging and demands a high level of commitment. It involves two disciplines; Avionics and Mechanical. The course covers a broad range of subjects including Air Frames and Jet Engines (with associated Mechanical and Avionics Systems), Aircraft Structures, Sheet metal and Composite Materials, Physics, Mathematics, Technical Drawing, Workshop Technology and Practice Avionics.


Technical Training (Off-the-Job)

This training involves learning Practical Skills, combined with Theory, including Maths, Science, Drawing and Personal Development skills. Training will normally take place at SOLAS Training Centre Shannon and DIT-Bolton Street, Dublin (or at another training facility suitable to Atlantic Aviation Group). Apprentices will be required to pass a series of tests throughout training. These include Practical Tests, Short Answer or Multiple Choice Knowledge Tests plus Course Work Assessments. During block release, SOLAS will pay wages and an allowance towards accommodation expenses. The apprentice will be responsible for finding accommodation during block release.


Practical Training (On-the-Job)

Training with an employer allows an apprentice to get practical work experience. In addition to gaining skills and knowledge, the apprentice will be assessed on their performance of specific tasks to pre-set standards.


How long does it take?

  • This four-year programme consists of five phases of training, both on-the-job with Atlantic Aviation Group and off-the-job in SOLAS Shannon or DIT Bolton St or another training facility suitable to Atlantic Aviation Group.
  • Assessment is via a mixture of continuous and end-of-course examination. This continuous assessment will include practical and written assignments, together with homework study during a four year training term.
  • During the Apprenticeship, the Apprentice will be expected to complete a portfolio which will demonstrate the outcome of his or her learning. The portfolio is completed at each stage of the apprenticeship.
Phase 1 4 Weeks On-the-Job
Phase 2A 32 Weeks Off-the-Job
Phase 3A 5 Weeks Practical Training On-the-Job
Phase 3A 1 Year On-the-Job Experience
Phase 2B 8 Weeks Off-the-Job
Phase 3B 6 Weeks Practical Training On-the-Job
Phase 4 35 Weeks Off-the-Job
Phase 5 5 Weeks Practical Training On-the-Job
Phase 6 1 Year On-the-Job Experience

What can I expect to learn?

In addition to completing the apprenticeship, each apprentice is also expected to achieve an Aircraft Maintenance Engineers Licence, which is broken down into various modules: EASA Part 66 Modules B1 (Aeroplane with Turbine Engines).

Subjects include:

  1. Mathematics – arithmetic, algebra & geometry
  2. Physics Matter – mechanics, statics, kinetics, dynamics, thermodynamics, optics, wave, motion & sound
  3. Electrical Fundamentals – electron theory, conduction, generation, circuits, laws, power, magnetism, inductance, motor theory AC & DC theory
  4. Electronic Fundamentals – semiconductors, transistors, integrated circuits, servos
  5. Digital Techniques – electronic instrument systems, data conversion, ACARS, ECAM, EFIS, GPS, logic circuits, computer structure, software
  6. Materials and Hardware
  7. Maintenance Practices
  8. Basic Aerodynamics – our atmosphere, generation of lift, stability and high speed aerodynamics, theory of flight and structures
  9. Human Factors
  10. Aviation Legislation
  11. Turbine Aerodynamics, Structures and Systems
  12. Gas Turbine Engine

Note 1: The subject modules may be sub-divided into sub-modules for the purpose of training and/or examination.

Note 2: Modules 13 & 14 may be added in the event of Atlantic Aviation Group training B2 apprentices (avionics). This license now allows your qualification to benefit from European recognition and is the stepping stone within the industry for personal development.


What qualification do I get when I complete the Apprenticeship?

Level 6 Advanced Certificate Aircraft Mechanic & PART 66 Aircraft Maintenance License

Note: The Issue of PART 66 License requires the submission of relevant documentation to the IAA including proof of apprenticeship completion.


Will I be paid?

Apprentice’s pay is based on a percentage of a qualified tradesman’s pay scale. During the four years of the apprenticeship, pay increases annually, remaining in line with industry standards.


Entry Requirements

  • Candidates must be over 17 years of age on April 1st 2023.
  • Candidates must be an Irish, EU or UK citizen. Atlantic Aviation Group do not offer sponsorship or visas for those living outside of the EU.
  • Must have completed the Leaving Certificate, or equivalent examinations, or be currently completing it in 2023.
  • You should have achieved or expect to achieve, a minimum of H5 or O4 in Leaving Certificate Mathematics and English (As per the previous grading system, a minimum of Grade D in Higher Level or Grade C in Lower Level Mathematics and English).
  • Must pass a medical examination, organised by Atlantic Aviation Group.
  • Must pass a colour vision test, organised by Atlantic Aviation Group.
  • Must pass airport security vetting.

What education do I need?

In addition to the above requirements, the following Leaving Certificate subjects are advantageous: Metalwork, Woodwork, Engineering, Physics and/or Chemistry.

Original education certification is required before job offer is valid.

Please note: Other qualifications or equivalent may be considered by Atlantic Aviation Group on application.


Before seeking a career in Aircraft Maintenance

  1. Ask employees, qualified Engineers and Apprentices about the work involved and the commitment needed.
  2. Read about the trade or subject before completing the application form. An interest in aviation is welcome but not a requirement.
  3. Seek advice from your parents and Career Guidance Counsellor.

What career opportunities are available to me on completion of the programme?

Apprentices have a wide range of opportunities available to them upon completion of this programme. Many apprentices stay with Atlantic Aviation Group, further developing their skills and establishing their career in aircraft maintenance. Learn more about the opportunities that could be available to you on our YouTube video below:

 


Can I work internationally with this qualification?

Yes, all our graduated apprentices are equipped with an internationally recognised Aircraft Maintenance Engineers Licence provided by the Irish Aviation Authority. This is the aircraft maintenance industry’s basic qualification, which recognises the holder as a qualified Aircraft Maintenance Engineer and is recognised internationally. Learn more about what international opportunities are available to apprentices on completion of the programme:

 


How do I apply for the Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Apprenticeship?

1. Complete the online application form here. Applications are screened for candidate requirements.

2. Round 1: Successful candidates are then asked to complete an aptitude test in both general and mechanical reasoning. This will take place in June after the Leaving Certificate Exams.*

3. Round 2: Successful candidates who pass the aptitude tests are then assessed by a panel of examiners in late June and early July . This includes interview, manual dexterity tests and possibly O.P.Q. tests.

4. Round 3: Successful candidates who meet all requirements, including Leaving Certificate results, may then be offered a place on the apprenticeship. All job offers are subject to passing medical and colour vision tests and to producing required educational documents.

Forward any further inquiries to:
Apprentice Recruitment Section, Atlantic Aviation Group,
Shannon Airport, Co Clare
E-mail: careers@atlanticaviation.ie

PLEASE NOTE: APPLICATIONS FOR OUR 2023 APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMME ARE NOW CLOSED


Why choose Atlantic Aviation Group

Atlantic Aviation Group is a leading Aircraft Maintenance (Part 145) provider, offering Maintenance and Engineering services to international operators of B737, B757 and B767  type aircraft. Our customers include global airlines, leasing companies and VIP operators.

We have been providing quality services for over 60 years in our modern 110,000 square foot facility at Shannon. We are recognised worldwide for our expertise and quality of workmanship in aviation. Our successful Apprenticeship programme has been running for over thirty years. We are proud to have produced the last two WorldSkills champions and five of the last six National champions in Aircraft Maintenance meaning this Apprenticeship is truly a world class learning experience.


 

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