An exciting new partnership between the Territory Labor Government and Aviation Australia means aspiring aircraft mechanics no longer have to wait until they leave school to start training.

For the first time this year, a two year Certificate II in Aircraft Line Maintenance has been offered to Year 11 Vocational Education and Training (VET) students in Darwin and Alice Springs.

The nationally accredited qualification will provide pathways to employment or further study in the growing field, while also providing credit towards the attainment of the NT Certificate of Education and Training (NTCET).

This year’s 27 enrolled students are learning from leading aviation professionals one day a week at the Care Flight hangar at Darwin Airport and the Chartair hangar in Alice Springs.

Demand for qualified aircraft technicians is expected to grow to more than 600,000 over the next 20 years, as the global aeronautics industry continues its rapid expansion.

The Certificate II in Aircraft Line Maintenance provides basic knowledge and skills to enable students to perform a range of maintenance tasks on aircraft on a flight line or at the departure gate.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Education, Selena Uibo.

“The Territory Labor Government’s number one priority is jobs for Territorians and a big part of this is suitably skilling local people to take up local jobs.

“We are proud to have partnered with industry to deliver a program that gives our young people the opportunity to experience firsthand an exciting, growing industry that will deliver job opportunities for many years to come.

“This is a great example of industry experts working with our Department of Education to create positive opportunities for our young people.”

Quote attributable to Aviation Australia Business Manager Chris Pigott.

“Our mission is to deliver excellence in training to help shape the future of the aviation industry and we are pleased to expand our program to the NT and create pathways for our future aviation professionals.”

Quote attributable to Chartair Chief Executive, Sarah Dewar.

“Chartair is proud to be a sponsor and partner of this great initiative and we look forward to it producing the engineers of the future.”

Quote attributable to Care Flight General Manager Philip Roberts.

“Care Flight is delighted to support this training program by providing hangar space and helping make this education initiative possible.

“It’s about working together to increase training and employment opportunities for young people, and bringing young people to the Territory.”

Media contact: Kim Stephens 0417 683 144