Tara Moriarty
Minister for Agriculture
Minister for Regional New South Wales
Minister for Western New South Wales

Yasmin Catley
Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism
Minister for Hunter

Steve Whan
Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education

MEDIA RELEASE

Hunter aircraft maintenance engineering jobs program kicks off

Monday, 14 October 2024

Careers in defence aviation will be on show in the Hunter this week Government and industry partners coming together to give school leavers, and job ready young adults a look into the rewarding career path of an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer.

Thanks to the Minns Labor Government's Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Attraction Program, Hunter students and adults alike are getting a taste of what it takes to work in the aircraft and defence industries.

The first-of-its-kind program will be held over five days at TAFE's Aviation Delivery Hub at the Tighes Hill campus from Monday, 14 October.

Participants will also get an exclusive tour of the BAE Systems site at Willamtown to get a behind-the-scenes look at the responsibilities and rewards of working at one of the Hunter's most versatile defence and security companies.

This program aims to encourage more people to enrol in a Certificate II in Aeroskills to help them become workforce-ready, as well as open door to rewarding jobs in the region's thriving defence industry. 

The NSW Government has worked with TAFE NSW and major stakeholders to design this placed-based program to help nurture local talent and support a sustainable future workforce for the defence industry in the Hunter and Nowra regions.

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development is collaborating with TAFE NSW, HunterNet Career Connections and Pennant Training to deliver the Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Attraction Program in the Hunter.

The initiative is supported by a $70,000 investment from the NSW Government as part of its Targeted Workforce Development Scheme.

The program is being deliver in partnership with the Department of Education's Skills & and Workforce Programs.

Minister for Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said:

"This is an exciting program where students can combine and interest in the moder aircraft industry with the reward of working within a critical sector in the heart of the Hunter.

"The NSW Government is dedicated to helping the Defence industry strengthen and future-proof its workforce by investing in first-of-its-kind programs like this that show students and job seekers some of the rewarding employment possibilities available in this exhilarating and rewarding field.

"It is vital that we continue to invest in skills and employment opportunities for the future, and I am proud that the NSW Government's Targeted Workforce Development Scheme is encouraging people to think big."

Minister for the Hunter, Yasmin Catley said:

"This program is the first-of-its-kind in the Hunter and will give our smart young students a unique look at an incredibly rewarding career.

"We're working with local TAFE to ensure our kids can develop the skills required for good jobs and a prosperous future.

"The Hunter has a rich, unparalleled industrial history and the Labor Government is focused on ensuring our region continues to thrive."

Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education, Steve Whan said:

"The Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Attraction Program provides a unique opportunity for students, school leavers and adults to develop some great new skills while exploring an enriching career opportunity.

"For a long time, there has been a growing need for more Aircraft Maintenance Engineers, and I am pleased that this program is giving students the chance to learn all about it from some of the best"

BAE Systems spokesperson said:

"A career in aviation isn't just about flying an aircraft, it's about working as a team to make that aircraft fly, and it's about keeping everyone safe so they can perform their mission. 

"If you're an aircraft enthusiast or you just have an interest in all things mechanical, like checking engines and making repairs, this could be a really rewarding career path.

"We are excited to have the chance to show Hunter students and other interested Hunter residents what we do and some of the possibilities that are available right on their doorstep."