go backFrom Decks and Classrooms to Hangars – Why Newcomers Are Choosing Magnetic Academy
If you’ve ever looked up at a jet and thought, “I’d love to know how that works,” you’re not alone.
Magnetic Academy was built for people exactly like that – curious, hands-on, and ready to build a real career in aviation maintenance.
Three recent learners took very different paths to Estonia, but they’re aligned on one thing: the Academy makes entry into aviation practical, accessible, and fast-tracked.
Below, you’ll hear their stories and see why Magnetic Academy is quickly becoming a launchpad for mechanics in Europe and beyond.
A New Course After the Sea: Arturs Korjagins
Previous background: Maritime College - a few years working at sea
Arturs didn’t come from an aviation family. He came from ships. But the mechanics of vessels and aircraft share the same DNA – complex systems, safety-critical processes, and disciplined maintenance.
“I found Magnetic Academy and thought it would be a nice and exciting place to start a new path since, mechanically, ships are relatively closely related to aircraft.”
He joined Magnetic Academy to translate his practical marine experience into airworthiness. The Academy met him where he was – a newcomer to aviation – and built his base from fundamentals through to EASA module prep.
“Magnetic Academy is a great place to start for newcomers like me who have no aviation background – it explains a lot of fundamentals and gets you prepared for modules.”
What changed for Arturs during the course
He expected a steep learning curve. He got that – and something better: the “click” that happens when theory meets practice.
“Teachers explained things I saw on aircraft which I hadn’t understood before, so my practical knowledge combined with theoretical knowledge made sense to me.”
Would he recommend it?
Absolutely.
“There can’t be too much knowledge – learning new and refreshing old knowledge won’t hurt. Magnetic Academy provides everything to step into aircraft maintenance and prepare for the B1/B2 modules. I would not lose this opportunity.”
Starting Over With Purpose: Artur Nachavylo
Motivation: Relocation due to war and a desire for a future-proof skill
Artur arrived in Estonia facing uncertainty – and found a clear path with Magnetic Academy.
“When I found out about Magnetic Academy, I thought it was a great chance to learn more about aviation.”
He didn’t know what to expect at first, but the structure, pace, and support quickly turned uncertainty into momentum.
“Honestly, I didn’t know what to expect at all. But step by step, I became really interested and was pleasantly surprised by how much I learned.”
Who would he recommend it to?
“I’d recommend it to anyone who hasn’t been connected to aviation before joining Magnetic.”
Why he thinks it matters
Accessibility matters – especially when you’re rebuilding your career.
“It helps people enter aviation in an accessible way. I think it’s a really good and meaningful project.”
Trading a Suitcase for a Toolbox: Jacob van Duuren
Previous background: High school biology teacher
Jacob didn’t switch careers because he fell out of love with teaching; he switched because Estonia required Estonian-language classroom work, and he wanted an English-speaking, international environment where he could stay hands-on and keep learning.
He spotted a mechanic apprenticeship vacancy, applied, and soon HR at Magnetic laid out the pathway – including Magnetic Academy as the foundation.
“I’ve always enjoyed being hands-on, and this opportunity allowed me to combine that with academic knowledge. So, I decided to sign up.”
Expectations vs. reality
Jacob kept his expectations neutral, but he hoped for a real foundation in aviation mechanics.
He got exactly that – plus a mindset shift.
“The course provided a good base understanding of aviation mechanics. We were given enough material to not only answer questions, but also to ask the right ones.”
That’s a key differentiator – learning to see an aircraft not just as a passenger, but as a system of systems with schematics, tolerances, and procedures.
“It’s a unique experience going from looking at a large airplane as a passenger to understanding the theory and detailed schematics that make it work. That shift opens up a lot of career opportunities.”
Why he recommends Magnetic Academy
- It gives you a solid foundation in aviation mechanics.
- It trains you to ask the right questions – even the ones you didn’t know you had.
- It lays out a clear, structured career path within a real MRO ecosystem.
And there’s a practical point many overlook:
“There aren’t many companies offering such a specific, structured academic experience for free. This directly translates into the opportunity to become a valuable team member within a group of highly experienced professionals.”
What Makes Magnetic Academy Different
Magnetic Academy isn’t a standalone classroom – it’s embedded in Magnetic’s real-world maintenance environment. That matters for three reasons:
- Relevance you can feel – Lessons map to actual tasks, tools, and procedures used on the hangar floor. You don’t just learn definitions; you learn decisions.
- Pathway, not guesswork – For newcomers, the Academy provides a guided route toward EASA B1/B2 module readiness – with fundamentals first, then modules, then on-the-job growth.
- Culture of upskilling – As Arturs notes, it’s rare for companies to invest this deeply in building new mechanics from the ground up. Magnetic does – because demand for licensed, high-standard mechanics is real and growing.
Who Is It For?
- Career changers – Teachers, sailors, technicians, and engineers from adjacent fields who want their skills to fly.
- Newcomers to aviation – People with zero background who bring curiosity, discipline, and a love of hands-on work.
- Practical learners – If you learn best by doing – guided by instructors who’ve done the job – you’ll thrive.
If that’s you, Magnetic Academy gives you the fundamentals, the frameworks, and the confidence to step into aviation maintenance with clarity.
What You’ll Learn
Aviation basics – Structures, systems, safety culture, documentation, and human factors
Mechanics foundations – From fasteners and materials to electrical basics and troubleshooting logic
Module readiness – Structured preparation for EASA B1/B2 modules, taught by instructors who connect theory with real aircraft examples
Professional mindset – How to read schematics, ask good questions, and make safe, repeatable decisions under procedure
Beyond the Certificate
The real value isn’t a piece of paper – it’s employability and progression. With Magnetic Academy, you’re learning inside an organization that maintains aircraft every day.
You’re building context, credibility, and a professional network from day one.
- Clarity – You understand how the whole aircraft fits together.
- Confidence – You can connect what you see on the ramp or in the hangar to the theory behind it.
- Career options – Line, base, engines – your foundation lets you specialize over time.
Or as Jacob puts it:
“I would absolutely trade my suitcase for a toolbox and become a mechanic.”
Ready to Start?
If you’re curious, motivated, and ready for meaningful hands-on work, Magnetic Academy is a smart first step into aviation maintenance.
Take the next step – Apply to Magnetic Academy
Magnetic Academy was built for people like Arturs, Artur, and Jacob – people who bring their grit, their curiosity, and their work ethic, and leave with a career. If you’re ready to turn interest into expertise, we’re ready to welcome you.
