Far North Queenslanders are exploring new careers in aircraft maintenance, thanks to Australia’s world-class vocational education and training (VET) system.
Assistant Minister for Vocational Education and Skills, Karen Andrews MP, visited Hawker Pacific’s Cairns base, which employs 19 apprentices undertaking Certificate IV qualifications in Aeroskills.
“By ensuring training in the proper maintenance of aircraft, these apprentices are developing the skills necessary to keep our skies safe, while also building the foundations for their exciting careers,” Minister Andrews said.
“Aircraft maintenance engineers are in high demand, and the need for skilled employees is only getting stronger as the aviation industry reaches new heights in South-East Asia.
“Launching into these new careers is only possible because of our VET system, which works closely with industry to ensure Australia has a well-trained workforce.
“Whether it’s aviation, tourism or hospitality, we’re building the skills that the Cairns region needs so it can continue to thrive.”
Federal Member for Leichhardt Warren Entsch said while Cairns was perhaps best known as a key domestic and international tourism destination, businesses like Hawker Pacific show the growing importance of technical industries to the far north Queensland economy.
“Cairns is a strong aviation hub with a well-developed general and commercial aviation sector that supports domestic and international carriers alike,” Mr Entsch said.
“This provides important opportunities for young people in our region to pursue exciting technical careers in areas like aircraft maintenance and aeroskills through apprenticeship pathways.
“The skills that apprentices will develop here at Hawker Pacific will open up all sorts of opportunities for them to build successful careers, whether that’s here in Cairns, throughout Australia or indeed around the world.”
Minister Andrews said the Turnbull Government is committed to building a high quality Australian Apprenticeship system that better supports apprentices, and responds to the needs of industry, employers and the wider economy.
“What we see here at Hawker Pacific is proof that, whatever industry you’re interested in, Australia’s vocational education and training and Australian Apprenticeship systems provides young people with real skills for real careers,” Minister Andrews said.