Minister Lawless announces major expansion in aircraft mechanic apprenticeship places
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Ó: An Roinn Breisoideachais agus Ardoideachais, Taighde, Nuálaíochta agus Eolaíochta
- Foilsithe: 8 Aibreán 2025
- An t-eolas is déanaí: 12 Aibreán 2025
Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science James Lawless and Minister of State at the Department Marian Harkin announced a major expansion of apprenticeship opportunities for aircraft mechanics in Ireland, with the number of training places set to double from 79 in 2024 to up to 160 from September 2025.
The expansion follows a comprehensive consultation process led by the department and the National Apprenticeship Office, working closely with industry stakeholders in the aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul sector.
Speaking at Dublin Airport, Minister Lawless said:
"I am pleased we were able to rapidly double training places for this important apprenticeship and bolster Ireland’s position as a key player in the global aviation industry. It is essential the apprenticeship system is agile and can scale up or down quickly as required, based on the dynamic needs of the sectors we serve.
"Looking ahead, we are planning for long-term sustainability. I’ve tasked SOLAS with securing a dedicated premises to establish a national Centre of Excellence for aircraft mechanic training from 2028 and continue to develop the apprenticeship’s programme delivery in line with industry standards."
Minister of State Harkin said:
"This expansion is a prime example of our Action Plan for Apprenticeship 2021-2025 in action. It demonstrates our commitment to ensuring the apprenticeship system is agile and aligned with the evolving needs of industry, and that both employers and apprentices gain significant value."
CEO of the Irish Aviation Authority, Declan Fitzpatrick, said:
"Ireland manages an estimated 60% of the world’s leased aircraft, with an aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul sector valued at €370 million and employing 3,200 people. Increasing the number of apprenticeships is essential for our indigenous industry, located throughout the country, to grow exports and meet the increasing global demand for quality aviation services.
"The apprenticeship opens the door to an exciting and rewarding career, with demand for licensed aircraft maintenance engineers continuously growing in Ireland and abroad."
CEO of Atlantic Aviation Group, Shane O’Neill said:
"AAG is proud of its participation in the Aircraft Maintenance Apprenticeship and are delighted to train apprentices in 2025 for the entire industry sector in Ireland."
Chief Executive of Limerick and Clare ETB, Bernadette Cullen, said:
"The expansion of the aircraft mechanic apprenticeship programme represents a significant investment in skills in the Shannon and Mid-West region. We look forward to working to address the increasing demand for skilled staff in the aviation sector."
Minister Lawless concluded:
"This investment reflects the government’s commitment to aligning education, skills and training with the real needs of industry. My department was established to act as an engine of economic growth, to ensure that Irish enterprise has access to the talent it needs to compete and succeed. Today’s announcement is proof of that mandate in action: a strategic, fast-moving response delivered in close partnership with industry."
Notes
Watch the announcement video.
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The aircraft mechanic apprenticeship programme is a NFQ level 6 apprenticeship that is regulated by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) through the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA).
The programme is currently delivered in Limerick and Clare ETB, TU Dublin and SETU Carlow.
The expansion will see a total of 75 additional places delivered by Atlantic Aviation Group by September 2025 for one year, followed by 80 additional places to be added by Limerick and Clare ETB by mid-2026.
Further details of the aircraft mechanic apprenticeship.
Trained aircraft engineers are highly skilled professionals with strong international mobility, and in Ireland, apprenticeship is the primary pathway into this field.
With 77 national apprenticeship programmes now on offer across the country, qualifying highly skilled apprentices of all ages and backgrounds up to PhD level, apprenticeship is fast becoming the ‘go to place’ for skills development. Further details on apprenticeships available can be found on the Apprenticeship website.