400 new aircraft maintenance employees needed by 2008

With Lufthansa Technik Malta and Government announcing investment in a new facility which is expected to be inaugurated by autumn 2008, it was revealed last week that the company is to create another 500 new job opportunities. Over 400 of the new jobs will be directly related to aircraft maintenance, and over a hundred to ancillary services.

"This expansion project will create new opportunities in a growing and dynamic industry," Lufthansa Technik Malta chief executive Louis Giordimaina said. "Lufthansa Technik Malta will be taking on new people for our company to meet the planned demand of workload and different aircraft types.

"As from tomorrow MCAST will be accepting applications for courses leading to the acquisition of licences in the aircraft maintenance industry. This is the first in a series of courses focusing on the aircraft maintenance industry that will be offered by MCAST over the coming years."

The 19-month course to be held at MCAST is designed specifically to provide individuals with the necessary theoretical and practical understanding of aircraft maintenance. Part 1 of the course is Theory and Workshop Practice; the second is on-the-job training for candidates who successfully complete the examinations at the end of part 1.

Entry requirements are O-level passes in English, Physics and Mathematics at Grade 5 or Grade C or higher, or an MCAST Engineering Foundation Certificate. Applications will be received at the Institute of Mechanical Engineering, Corradino Hill, Paola, between 8.30 a.m. and 12.30 p.m.

To manage the flow of applications, students whose surnames start with letters A to C are to apply tomorrow; those with surnames D to M on Tuesday; and those with surnames N to Z will be registered on Wednesday. Candidates are to present the original certificates, their ID card and photocopies (front and back of ID Card). Applications may be collected from the Reception Administration Building, MCAST Main Campus, Corradino Hill, Paola. Late applications will not be considered.

"Operations on the first aircraft in the new hangar are planned to begin by late 2008," Mr Giordimaina said. "We hope that various MCAST students attending this course would have completed their studies and practicums by then and in time for our major recruitment drive."

The courses are conducted according to European standards as defined by the European Aviation Safety Agency - EASA. The training requires both vocational education, consisting of theory and some practice, and training on the job, some of which could be abroad, as part of the required practical education. More details can be obtained from the Registrar at MCAST.