Iberia opens sponsored cadet programme in co-operation with FTEJerez

Madrid-based airline Iberia has announced it will be launching a new sponsored cadet training programme in partnership with flight training school FTEJerez. The programme, Iberia Cadetes, has been designed by Iberia to train carefully selected candidates to gain the skills and expertise necessary to become the airline’s next generation of pilots.

At the end of the course, successful candidates will secure an EASA ATPL-frozen licence and will be offered a position as a First Officer with the Spanish flag carrier on Airbus A320 aircraft.

Iberia Cadetes entry requirements

The scheme is designed for those with little-to-no previous flying experience (applicants with CPL/ATPL will not be considered).

The entry requirements are:

• Be at least 18 years old at the beginning of the training
• Speak Spanish at a native level and hold at least C1 English proficiency
• At least high school qualification (Bachillerato or equivalent) plus achieved access to University (EvAU or equivalent)
• Clean criminal record
• Hold the right to live and work in the EU

Cost of the cadet programme

The programme offers a number of attractive benefits for potential applicants. Alongside Iberia’s commitment to employing graduates of the Cadetes programme, the airline will also cover 50% of the programme’s fees in the form of an interest-free student loan. When the new pilots begin working for Iberia, they can then begin paying back this loan (deducted from the salary). 

The total cost of the Iberia Cadetes programme is €111.000, so candidates have to fund approx. €55.000 by themselves. There is also a requirement for candidates to self-sponsor Airbus A320 type rating, however the cost of this is not specified yet.

Iberia Cadetes total fees include the following:

• 62 weeks of pilot training
• Full-board accommodation (3 meals a day)
• 1st attempt, ground and flying EASA exams
• Renewal of the EASA Class One Medical
• All training material
• Landing and navigation fees
• FTEJerez cadet uniform (except shoes)
• No additional accommodation charge in the unlikely event of delay in training due to adverse weather

FTEJerez has partnered with selected Spanish banks to help candidates to finance required funds. The pilot loans are available with BBVA, CaixaBank and Banco Sabadell for Spanish residents only. Terms and conditions to be downloaded at FTEJerez website.

Description of the selection process

The programme begins with a rigorous selection process before following an integrated pathway with FTEJerez, a leading European flight training academy and the first Approved Training Organisation (ATO) to work on the Iberia Cadetes programme.

If you meet the initial criteria you will be given a series of questions with a specific time period to answer from your home (computer-based).

Successful applicants will be assessed with a standard battery of tests by FTEJerez – the same the flight school use in case of any other cadet programme. This will take place at Jerez de la Frontera and will include:

• Aptitude Test
• Group exercise
• Evidence-based interview

Furthermore, the final stage of the selection process takes place in Iberia’s headquarter in Madrid. This will include:

• Personality assessment 
• Interview
• Company medical check (not the Class 1 Medical)

Candidates will be informed about progressing to the next stage via personal candidate area at FTEJerez website. No emails will be sent.

Following successful graduation from the programme no further assessment will be required by Iberia. However, graduates may have to join a holding pool for a few months before they start the vacancy as a First Officer.

About Airline First Officer Programme (AFOP) selected for Iberia Cadetes

AFOP is an integrated pilot training programme designed for applicants with little or no previous flying experience. Training location with on-site campus accommodation in Jerez, Southern Spain, offers 300 days of sunshine per year.

In addition to the Airline First Officer Programme (AFOP) provided by the flight school, cadets will undergo modules such as Threat and Error Management, CRM course or Flight Deck Management.

This scheme represents a mutually beneficial means for Iberia to attract new talent to their teams while lowering the bar of entry into the airline industry. 

With their offer of partial funding and guaranteed employment, it is also clear that Iberia will be taking a close interest in candidates on the programme, using the opportunity to instil in the new pilots not only the necessary skills but also the particular values and ethos Iberia seeks from its people.

The programme also represents a further success for FTEJerez. The company’s relationship with Iberia stretches back to 2017 when the Madrid-based airline first began using the flight training specialists to train their new pilots. This new partnership suggests Iberia’s continued confidence in the service FTEJerez offers.

Video: Motivation video about Iberia Cadetes programme 2019

Are you ready to apply?

Those interested in applying for the programme can find further information, as well as an online application portal, at www.ftejerez.com/iberia. The deadline for applications to be one of the first batches of 20 cadets is September 6th, with training with FTEJerez scheduled to begin in November 2019.