THE SKY could be the limit for those who want to pursue a career in the aviation industry. One rung on the ladder to the heavens is in place for trainees in aircraft maintenance.

This month in Shannon, 42 trainees will begin a two-year training programme to become qualified aircraft maintenance technicians. The course, to be held at the FAS Shannon Training Centre, was created in response to a demand from Shannon Aerospace.

The course was set up through a joint agreement between FAS and the company, with Fas providing support for infrastructure and some direct training. Technical aircraft training is provided by instructors from Shannon Aerospace.

The first course started in early 1990. Since then two courses have begun each year. A course is made up of a series of modules, each of which contains classroom training and on-the-job experience.

Applicants should have a pass Leaving Cert and a C in pass maths. To date, everyone who has successfully completed the course has been offered a permanent position by the company. "And we expect that this will continue," says Deirdre Enright of human resources at Shannon Aerospace. There are promotional prospects, she says, in the company Those who complete the two-year course are expected to stay with the company for five years.

"We plan to start another training course in November and two more in 1997," she says. "We would like to see a good balance of young men and women on the courses.

Once you're an aircraft maintenance technician, there are two routes open. Structures and composite aircraft maintenance technicians are the group responsible for the sheet-metal skin and skeleton of the aircraft. These workers are responsible for the repair and refurbishment of some cabin-interior items, such as overhead racks, and for repairs to items such as engine cowlings and honeycomb flight controls.

The second route in this area of aircraft maintenance is to become a systems and engines aircraft maintenance technician. This job involves checking and inspecting mechanical systems, structures and components for condition, wear or discrepancies and for the correction of these defects. These technicians install and rig flight controls and components such as doors and engines. They lubricate and service the aircraft systems and components as required. Practical work is carried out on engines, landing gear, rigging systems, ducts etc.

As well as aircraft maintenance technicians, there are also vacancies in traineeships at Shannon Aerospace in cabin-trimming and in aircraft spray painting. Each of these involves one year's training.