I believe it's a five year bond. Leave before then and you will likely be liable for the cost of the training. I'm open to be corrected on that though...

While far from an expert on this, I can't imagine it will make a difference. You are still an EU citizen currently and I'm sure obtaining the necessary paperwork to stay working in Ireland/EU after Brexit will not be an issue. Again, not an expert though...

School leaver
 

In their previous cadet programs (2015-2016), cadets had to pay 25% of the total training costs. This time it's fully sponsored in addition to covering some living expenses for the duration of the training. Huge respect to this Irish flag carrier. Competition is fierce indeed, good luck to all applicants, may the best get in. Any idea to which flight school are they sending their cadets this time? It used to be FTE Jerez, this time it obviously isn't.

Are you sure about that ? Why not choose FTE this time ?

No just an error message on the application page. Most people got the same, don't think it makes a difference

Online Assessments (1st stage of selection)
 

In regards to the online assessments applicants are required to complete within 72 hours, does anyone have any idea what these might entail? I see that there has been some mention of COMPASS or PILAPT tests, however some of these tests require some specific software to complete, is it therefore more likely that the assessments may be more similar in nature to that of an normal assessment centre, i.e situational judgement, problem solving, interaction and leadership questions etc?

It states cadets needs funds for additional costs... Any idea what that is expected to be, and for what. I suspect its training overrun hrs etc, but not sure?

I assume it's run at FTE but their website when I checked, doesn't say anything about EL for 2018.

It's referring to living expenses during the course, for which they are providing a small allowance.

If you approach this process with the intention of using the airline to get a type rating and move on, then you will not be successful in achieving one of the coveted positions. EI cadets have a proven history of longevity in the airline and they will be looking for candidates who actually want to fly for Aer Lingus.

Cadet training at Aer Lingus has been fully funded since 2012. They have also always provided a small allowance. This is pocket money as all accommodation/food is provided in Jerez. This years cadets will do an integrated MPL at FTE, just like last years group. Aer Lingus have worked hard with FTE and the IAA over the past few years to get this course approved and I can't see them moving away from it any time soon.

Not entirely acccurate. When the cadet programme was relaunched in 2011 they required a 25,000eu contribution from the candidate towards the training. It was only in 2015 that they removed this fee and even started to offer an allowance.

RE whoever is already asking about the bond period, you've completely misunderstood the entire concept of the EI cadet programme. They want people who will fulfill their entire professional careers with the company. If your intention is to use them as a stepping stone then this programme really is not for you. There are more than enough people who can demonstrate a raging desire to want to fly for Aer Lingus and spend their whole career there, they will know if you're just looking for a gate into the business.

As someone who works at the pointy end of a green A320, I'm happy to stand by what I've said. Yes, in 2011 the candidates had to pay a small amount of the training cost, but like I've already said, it's been fully funded since then with an allowance paid.

From what I've seen, I'm surprised anyone would want to leave Aer Lingus once they've joined, it seems (from the outside) to be the best airline for an English-only speaker to work for in Europe. I've met a couple of Aer Lingus pilots and the culture seems from a social perspective to be easygoing, excellent T&Cs plus a really good variety of routes, particularly with the A321neo coming in.

Taling about commitment, I'm not that long qualified in my current profession, if I were to apply would I be seen as a leaving risk?

What's the norm on overrun / additional training items on such schemes?

Dear community,

Since in Europe there are a lot of fATPL pilots hoping to have a first good opportunity in the market, I wonder why are companies like Aer Lingus or Air France opening programmes when financing a TR would be less heavy on them.
Maybe is to bond pilots for more time to have a kind of security to possible market changes.
I really would like to hear your opinion on this.
Thanks!