Industry Engagement Month wraps up with new opportunities for industry

Throughout September 2026, Aviation Australia worked alongside employers, industry leaders, government stakeholders and future aviation professionals to strengthen connections across the aviation and aerospace sectors. From workforce discussions and industry engagement activities to new training initiatives and strategic partnerships, Industry Engagement Month highlighted the importance of collaboration in addressing current workforce challenges and preparing for future industry growth.

Across every conversation, a common theme emerged: building a skilled, adaptable workforce remains one of the industry’s highest priorities. By bringing together industry, education and government, we can help ensure the sector is equipped to meet future demand.

Highlights

Connecting Industry with Future Talent

Industry Insights Day 2026 | Brisbane

Industry Insights Day brought together employers from across aviation, aerospace, defence and engineering to connect directly with students and recent graduates.

Key outcomes

Employers shared workforce insights, recruitment advice and career pathways.
Students gained valuable exposure to industry expectations and opportunities.
Industry and future workforce conversations strengthened pathways from training to employment.

Supporting Emerging Industry Capability

Launch of BVLOS Training

As advanced drone operations continue to expand across multiple industries, Aviation Australia launched its new Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) training program.

Key outcomes

Focus on practical operational capability beyond theoretical learning.
Supports industry demand for advanced RPAS skills.
Helps organisations build capability in a rapidly evolving area of aviation.

Investing in Future Workforce Development

September also delivered several milestones that demonstrate the impact of industry collaboration in developing the workforce of tomorrow.

Highlights

Support secured through the Sovereign Industry Development Fund.
Aviation Australia and Boeing Defence Australia’s Townsville Aviation Training Academy was recognised with the Industry Collaboration Award at the Queensland Training Awards 2026, celebrating the partnership’s success in creating career pathways and developing a skilled aviation maintenance workforce in North Queensland.
Following this achievement, Aviation Australia will represent Queensland as a finalist at the Australian Training Awards, highlighting the value of strong industry and education partnerships in addressing workforce needs.
Continued collaboration with international partners to support skills development, knowledge sharing and workforce capability.

Looking Ahead

Industry Engagement Month may be ending, but the conversations continue.

In the coming months, Aviation Australia will continue engaging with stakeholders through events including Industry Connect Day Perth and Industry Connect Day Melbourne in November. These forums provide valuable opportunities for industry leaders to discuss workforce challenges, share insights, explore emerging trends, and identify practical solutions to support the future of aviation and aerospace.

As workforce needs continue to evolve, ongoing collaboration between industry, government and training providers will remain critical to ensuring Australia has the skilled workforce needed to support future growth.