Ireland

AAG to support major expansion of aircraft mechanic apprenticeships

Delivering 75 new training places as part of national expansion

Ireland-based Atlantic Aviation Group (AAG) has welcomed an announcement by the Irish Department of Further and Higher Education and the National Apprenticeship Office regarding a significant expansion of aircraft mechanic apprenticeship places across Ireland.

As part of the expansion, AAG will deliver 75 additional training places from September 2025, playing a key role in a national effort to double annual apprenticeship intake from 79 to 160. The move is seen as a vital response to growing global demand for skilled aircraft maintenance engineers.

Atlantic Aviation Group is one of Europe's leading independent MROs and aviation solution providers, employing more than 800 people at locations in Shannon and Brize Norton in the UK. With a history spanning 65 years, AAG offers a wide range of services including aircraft maintenance, design, engineering, Part 147 training, and aircraft management solutions.

Speaking about the apprenticeship announcement, AAG CEO Shane O’Neill said: “We are proud to support this expansion and to train apprentices not just for our organisation, but for the benefit of the entire Irish aviation sector. This investment reflects the strategic importance of developing a strong pipeline of engineering talent to meet the needs of a rapidly evolving industry.”

AAG CEO Shane O’Neill pictured with a group of apprentice aircraft mechanics at AAG headquarters in Shannon.

AAG CEO Shane O’Neill pictured with a group of apprentice aircraft mechanics at AAG HQ in Shannon.

AAG has long been a leader in aviation training, providing world-class education and real-world experience through its EASA Part 147-approved training academy. The company’s apprenticeship programme has produced numerous award-winning graduates and continues to be a vital stepping stone for careers in aviation.

“Doubling the number of training places is not just a win for the industry - it’s a win for apprentices across the country who will now have greater access to a rewarding and internationally respected career path,” added Anthony Brennan, Chief People Officer at AAG. “We look forward to welcoming a new cohort of ambitious future engineers to Shannon later this year.”

AAG’s participation in this national apprenticeship expansion underscores its ongoing commitment to workforce development and excellence in aviation maintenance training.

Ireland's Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science James Lawless TD and Minister of State at the Department, Marian Harkin TD, yesterday announced the expansion of apprenticeship opportunities after a comprehensive consultation.

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.

Details of the aircraft mechanic apprenticeship can be found here