THE state government is helping students in Gippsland build specialist aviation industry skills, thanks to a grant of more than $141,000 awarded to Aviation Australia to deliver aircraft line maintenance training in the region.
Students who complete the training can seek apprenticeships with Jet Aviation at the RAAF base in East Sale.
Minister for Training and Skills Gayle Tierney recently met Rachel Ng, Sally Mustang and Shi Ling, all Aviation Australia apprentices who are taking part in aviation maintenance training at Bombardier Melbourne Service Centre, as part of the government’s Skills First program.
The Skills First Program has supported more than 32 female students with subsidised Aeroskills training, with more than $1.5 million invested in Aviation Australia to deliver the courses. Since 2017, Aviation Australia has provided subsidised training to more than 214 Victorian students.
Apprentice Rachel Ng has embarked on her aviation career by undertaking the Certificate IV in Aeroskills at Bombardier, with her dream to become a Flight Mechanic or Engineer. Fellow Aeroskills apprentices Sally Mustang and Shi Ling are also getting the specialised skills they need to make their passion for planes and avionics take flight.
Together with industry partners Bombardier and AI Group, the program is driving important change in this historically male dominated sector – with women making up less than 10 per cent of the aviation workforce.
Minister for Training and Skills Gayle Tierney said the program would provide a range of benefits.
“Our Skills First program is reshaping the training and skills sector, investing in high-quality training providers that help Victorians get the skills they need for the jobs they deserve,” she said.
Aviation Australia Technical Training Manager, Leif Mawson welcomed the opportunity for students.
“Many of our female students have said the Skills First funding was a key contributor in deciding to undertake an apprenticeship and, they feel well supported through their training journey,” he said.
Aviation Australia apprentice Sally Mustang agreed.
“I would never have thought that such an unbelievable opportunity in aviation was available,” she said.
