Dual Training Discussed at Aviation Group Forum

Aviation Group hosted a technical conference at Rey Juan Carlos University in Fuenlabrada to discuss dual vocational training for aircraft maintenance technicians (AMTs). The event brought together representatives from companies such as Aciturri, Aernnova, Airbus Spain, Air Europa, Cobra Aeronautics, Iberia Maintenance, Indra Maestranza, JAS, Ryanair, Semasa, Thales, and Wamos Air. Also present were faculty members from the university and Aviation Group’s leadership.

Francisco Castaño, the training center’s managing director, opened the event by highlighting its goal of the collaboration in both directions to train the AMTs that the industry needs. Francisco Sedano, advisor to the Academic Directorate, presented the dual vocational training model as a “strategic pillar” for the sector. He emphasized its flexibility under the 2022 organic law, allowing training centers to adapt to company needs and expand teaching hours or offer bilingual instruction.

Sedano proposed designing joint programs tailored to each company’s requirements, adding specific modules like composites or corrosion protection, integrating company specialists into teaching teams, and offering ongoing training and custom specialization for students. He concluded by noting that such cooperation would produce young professionals trained in real environments and adapted to company processes, while also meeting staffing needs and supporting generational renewal.

Company representatives expressed strong support for the initiative, valuing the center’s adaptability, the idea of company specialists teaching in classrooms and workshops, and the ability to provide updated tools and parts for training. Participants also discussed challenges such as gaps in students’ practical skills and knowledge of subjects like mathematics, physics, and especially English.

Castaño closed the session stating, “It’s very important to know where the problem is in order to find the solution,” and confirmed the creation of a working group to maintain open communication with industry partners.