Ministers Lawless and Harkin announce new summer aircraft mechanic apprenticeship training to support aviation skills growth
New training to provide 45 summer training places annually and increase flexibility for apprentices and employers
Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science James Lawless TD and Minister of State Marian Harkin TD have today announced a major enhancement to Ireland's Aircraft Mechanic Apprenticeship programme, with a new summer training option set to commence from 2027.
The new initiative will provide 45 apprenticeship training places each summer, helping to strengthen Ireland's aviation skills pipeline while making training more flexible for apprentices and employers across the sector.
The new summer intake, which will run between May and October each year, follows engagement with aviation industry stakeholders who highlighted challenges associated with the current winter-based delivery model for Category B off-the-job training. The summer option will provide an alternative pathway that better aligns with aircraft maintenance schedules and operational requirements in the aviation industry.
The announcement marks the latest step in the Government's expansion of aviation training capacity. Aircraft Mechanic Apprenticeship places have already increased from 79 places in 2024 to up to 160 places from September 2025, reflecting growing demand for skilled aircraft maintenance professionals.
Speaking during a visit to Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board's aircraft mechanic training facilities in Shannon, Minister Lawless 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. I was pleased to visit Shannon for this announcement and to be joined by Minister of State Timmy Dooley TD and Cathal Crowe TD, both strong advocates for the region and local representatives for County Clare. Shannon has a long and proud connection with aviation and continues to play a central role in developing the talent that supports this important industry.
"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.
"We have already significantly expanded capacity on the Aircraft Mechanic Apprenticeship, and this announcement is another important step in ensuring Ireland has the skilled workforce needed to support a growing and globally competitive aviation sector."
Minister Harkin, who has special responsibility for Further Education, Apprenticeship, Construction and Climate Skills said: "Apprenticeships like Aircraft Mechanics offer excellent opportunities for people to build rewarding careers while earning and developing skills that are highly valued by employers in Ireland and internationally.
"With 88 national apprenticeship programmes now available across a diverse range of sectors, including ICT, social care, aviation and construction, there has never been a greater choice for those seeking a high-quality, practical education and training pathway. The summer programme will be delivered through collaboration between SOLAS and Atlantic Aviation Group, building on the strong partnership that has supported the growth of aircraft mechanic apprenticeship training in Ireland."
Deirdre McDonnell, CEO of SOLAS, said: “This development reflects the strong collaboration across the apprenticeship system and our shared commitment to meeting the evolving needs of industry. A summer training option for Aircraft Mechanic Apprentices will provide greater flexibility for employers and apprentices, particularly given the seasonal nature of aircraft maintenance. SOLAS is proud to work with Atlantic Aviation Group, Limerick Clare ETB and our wider partners to expand capacity, and ensure that apprentices have access to high-quality training that supports a critical sector for Ireland.”
Shane O’Neill, CEO of Atlantic Aviation Group, said: “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.”
