When most people think of AUA employees, they probably think of the red-clad flight attendants and flight attendants who fly passengers around the world. But 800 technicians also work for the airline. Many of them have already completed their internship there. It is possible to apply again until February 11.
The airline then hires 16 students again and they go through an application procedure. “The most fun is working directly with the plane,” says student Paul Heiligenbrunner. The employees ensure that the planes take off and that customers arrive safely. Unlike a secondary vocational school (BHS), here you deal directly with the aircraft day in, day out and learn the skills directly on the seven aircraft of the AUA fleet. Exchanges also take place regularly within the Lufthansa Group. “I was even allowed to come to Toulouse when we picked up our new Airbus,” says student Raphael Gehring proudly.
About half of the employees who complete an internship later stay at Austrian. We are always looking for professionals. Because the labor market does not provide the necessary mechanisms, Austria must provide its own young, skilled workforce. Details can be found at careers.austrian.com.
Matura preparation during working hours
Because the Matura preparation can be done during working hours, almost everyone uses it. The apprenticeship period is 3.5 years. The young people are trained as mechatronics engineers, but with a focus on aircraft technology. “I wanted to do something in the field of technology and I have always been interested in aviation,” says Heiligenbrunner, who is in his second year of training.
An aircraft technician’s duties include maintaining and repairing aircraft. In addition, a check is carried out before every take-off and after every landing. “We also look at the electrics and the interior of the aircraft,” says a student. From large turbines to the smallest cables and individual parts inside, the technicians must know the aircraft. Maintenance is the main task. Because not every airline has its own technicians on site at every airport, work is also being done on other aircraft outside the AUA fleet.
Then the training continues
Much of this happens at night, because the machines have to be in use during the day. The interns are spared this during their internship, but most of them will require shifts later on. But the training does not end after 3.5 years; most people study for their certifications for a total of five to seven years, but during their employment. During the internship, students earn between 800 and 900 euros in the first year, more than 1,000 euros in the second year, more than 1,300 euros in the third year and more than 1,800 euros in the final year.
In addition to AUA, other airlines also employ technicians, as do machine manufacturers, should anyone move abroad. However, the AUA is the largest employer of aircraft technicians. After the next group of students, which starts in September, the number of trainees will increase to almost 50. Safety is also important, on the one hand because proper inspection of the aircraft is essential for safety, and on the other hand because work on the aircraft also requires important safety measures . Before the plane takes off, every move must be perfect, the students say.
Therefore, the handling of the aircraft must be perfect; Work on the asphalt must be done quickly but also safely. Raphael Gehring: “Every passenger has their own story. And then they all come together by flying, all over the world,” says student Gehring. The young person wants to contribute to this.
Source: Krone
I’m Ben Stock, a journalist and author at Today Times Live. I specialize in economic news and have been working in the news industry for over five years. My experience spans from local journalism to international business reporting. In my career I’ve had the opportunity to interview some of the world’s leading economists and financial experts, giving me an insight into global trends that is unique among journalists.
