Estonian’s very first apprenticeship program for aircraft mechanics celebrates student graduation

In February 2018, Magnetic MRO and Estonian Aviation Academy started unique cooperation aimed at training a new generation of aircraft mechanics under a two-year apprenticeship program. On 31^st of January 2020, the first group of ten students received their diplomas during a graduation ceremony at Estonian Aviation Academy in Tartu and will now continue their aviation careers at Magnetic MRO as mechanics. “Two years ago, when we started the apprenticeship program, we had no idea what to expect from this collaboration between Magnetic MRO and Estonian Aviation Academy. However, we are delighted to admit that this cooperation has been successful, and today we can congratulate these ten young mechanics who have taken a big leap in aviation. We are proud that we can offer this kind of apprenticeship program in cooperation with Estonian Aviation Academy and support talented Estonian youth in making their first steps in the industry,” said Risto Mäeots, the CEO of Magnetic MRO. One of the graduates, Kevin Parras, believes that this apprenticeship is a great opportunity to start an aviation career: “Unlike other programs, these studies are as much about practice as they are about theory. This, in turn, allows us to start a lifelong aviation career instantly after graduation!" Illari Lään, the Head of Administration at Estonian Aviation Academy, says that work-based learning becomes more and more popular thanks to its flexible studies and lots of practice, which enables students to enter the job market more quickly. “Estonian Aviation Academy, in collaboration with Magnetic MRO and other partners, has developed a very efficient vocational curriculum, which was also recognized by SA Innove’s quality mark,” said Illari Lään. Magnetic MRO launched AIMM (Apprenticeship & Internship at Magnetic MRO) as a unique project to train and employ Apprentices with specialization in different areas. During the two-year-long apprenticeship period, the training is conducted under Estonia’s leading vocational study program in aviation, designed by Estonian Aviation Academy. “Next apprenticeship program for mechanics will start already this spring, so if there is anyone interested, there is still time to join the program and start the dream career in the aviation industry,” said Mäeots. The training for 2019/2020 is funded by the European Social fund program „Praktikasüsteemi arendamine kutse- ja kõrghariduses sh õpetajakoolituse koolituspraktika“ and „Kutsehariduse maine tõstmine, töökohapõhise õppe laiendamine“ (PRÕM). More information about the program: https://magneticmro.com/kandideeri/