Ryanair has established more than ten academic partnerships with universities, polytechnics, vocational schools and maintenance technician training organizations in Portugal. The company's COO, Neal McMahon, stated that the Irish airline is directly investing in developing qualified engineers, rather than waiting for them to emerge naturally, noting that Portugal has fantastic talent in the field of engineering.
Ryanair's recruitment strategy aims to address the shortage of professionals in the aviation sector. As part of these partnerships, the company provides students with practical and direct experience in aircraft maintenance environments, going beyond the theory taught in classrooms. The company works closely with educational institutions such as the University of Minho, the University of Beira Interior, the Piaget Institute and the Polytechnic Institute of Cávado and Ave.
According to Neal McMahon, these partnerships serve as a direct pathway to professional opportunities at Ryanair. The airline currently has open positions for B1 engineers, mechanics and sheet metal technicians. This year alone, Ryanair has already welcomed 38 engineering interns in Portugal, expecting to receive even more Portuguese talent and strengthen its position as a significant employer in the national aviation sector.
