A new summer option aims to provide an alternative pathway that better aligns with aircraft maintenance schedules and operational requirements.

Ireland’s aircraft mechanic apprenticeship programme is to offer a new summer training schedule option beginning from next year. 

The new training initiative will accept 45 students and operate from May until October each year, with the purpose of strengthening Ireland’s aviation skills pipeline and making training more flexible for apprentices and employers across the sector. 

The Irish Government said the new summer option will provide an alternative pathway that better aligns with aircraft maintenance schedules and operational requirements in the aviation sector. 

Aircraft mechanic apprenticeship places increased from 79 slots in 2024 to up to 160 in September 2025, which is reflective of the increased demand for skilled aircraft maintenance professionals, according to the Government. 

Speaking during a visit to the Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board’s aircraft mechanic training facilities in Shannon, the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science James Lawless TD, said, “This is a really positive development for both apprentices and employers in the aviation sector. 

“The aircraft mechanic apprenticeship is already providing people with a fantastic pathway into a highly skilled and rewarding career, and this new summer training option will make the programme more flexible and easier to access. 

“This new summer intake is a direct response to feedback from employers, who told us that greater flexibility in training delivery would be of real benefit. It shows how our apprenticeship system can adapt and respond to the needs of industry while continuing to provide high-quality training opportunities for apprentices.”

Shane O’Neill, the CEO of Atlantic Aviation Group (AAG), added, “AAG is proud to continue supporting the aircraft maintenance apprenticeship and to work with Solas to deliver category B aircraft mechanic training at our training academy in Shannon. This summer provision will enable apprentices from across Ireland’s aviation industry to progress their training and develop the advanced skills the sector needs.” 

In late July, airline group Ryanair announced plans to build a new four-bay aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul hangar at Shannon Airport as part of a €50m investment that will also create 400 new jobs. 

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