Iberia Maintenance is set to welcome 144 vocational-technical students for internships at its La Muñoza facilities during the 2024/2025 academic year – a record number representing a 50% increase compared to the previous year.
Among the new cohort, 46 students are part of the Intensive Dual Vocational Training programme, a growing pathway that continues to attract more participants annually.
The students come from diverse educational backgrounds, including intermediate and higher degrees, professional certifications, and AESA-approved basic training courses. They specialise in fields such as aeromechanics, avionics, structural assembly, composite materials, aeronautical painting, machining, aeronautical verification, electromechanics, and basic training for B1.1 and B2 categories.
Key partner institutions supporting this initiative include CIFP Profesor Raúl Vázquez, IES Barajas, CFELYA Leganés, and Aviation Group.
A stepping stone to careers in aviation
Since 2018, over 400 students have completed internships at Iberia Maintenance, with nearly 250 transitioning into full-time employment – a hiring rate exceeding 60%. This robust pipeline underscores the effectiveness of vocational-technical training as a launchpad for careers in the aviation sector.
Ignacio de la Iglesia, manager of the Iberia Maintenance Training Centre, said: “Vocational-technical training is a very effective means of labour integration, supported by a growing demand for highly qualified professionals, especially in certain sectors, such as aeronautics.
“The collaboration between training centres, the public sector and companies make it possible to adjust the educational programmes to the needs of the market, facilitating the rapid integration of students into the workplace.”
Addressing the growing global demand for AMTs
Currently employing more than 2,500 aircraft maintenance technicians (AMTs), Iberia Maintenance is investing heavily in this talent pool, having hired over 200 AMTs in 2024 alone. The need for skilled AMTs is expected to grow dramatically, with the global fleet projected to increase by 28% over the next decade, driving an annual demand for 33,000 new technicians worldwide.
De la Iglesia adds: “At Iberia Maintenance, AMTs are the backbone of our operations and make up 80% of our workforce; their work is crucial to ensure the safety of every flight. One of the main ways to access this profession is through vocational-technical training.
“In Spain, only around 34% of students opt for this training route and, to a lesser extent, the vehicle maintenance family, which includes degrees in aeromechanics, avionics and structural assembly.
“Currently, there is a strong growth in the MRO sector with an unprecedented generational changeover. For the Spanish aeronautical sector to be competitive, the key will be to have qualified staff, for which it is necessary for the number of people enrolled in the relevant vocational training cycles to increase.”
A legacy of excellence in training
The Iberia Maintenance Training Centre, which recently marked its 20th anniversary as an EASA 147-certified institution, plays a pivotal role in preparing future aviation professionals. The centre offers specialised type training for Airbus A320, A330, and A350 families, making it the only institution in Spain approved for A320 and A350 training.
Since its inception in 2004, the centre has trained over 10,000 students and continues to expand its capabilities. In 2023 alone, the centre delivered more than 150,000 hours of training across various modalities, supported by 16 EASA-certified instructors and over 50 additional trainers and content developers.
Beyond its internal workforce, Iberia Maintenance extends its training services to external customers, covering areas such as engine maintenance, aircraft systems, and component repair.
As Iberia Maintenance prepares to welcome its largest-ever class of vocational-technical students, it solidifies its role as a leader in fostering the next generation of aviation professionals, ensuring the industry’s growth and safety for years to come.
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