Gabriela Wallace’s passion for aviation has taken her on an incredible journey from the classroom to the skies. As an Aviation Australia alumna, she has embraced every opportunity to grow, challenge industry norms, and excel in her career. From studying aeroskills to working on advanced aircraft, Gabi’s dedication and perseverance continue to inspire the next generation of aviation professionals.
Throughout our conversation, we explored three key aspects of Gabi’s journey—her studies, her career path, and the standout moments that have shaped her success. Her story is a testament to hard work, resilience, and a passion for aviation that continues to break barriers and inspire future generations.
“In high school, I studied English, Math A, Physics, Chemistry, Engineering (Metalwork), and Biology. I completed Year 12 and received a Queensland Certificate of Education. After that, I went on to complete a Certificate IV in Aeroskills and am currently studying for a Diploma of Aeroskills.”
“My career journey started after high school in 2017, when I initially planned to study mechatronics engineering. I had dreams of building rockets for NASA, but by 2020, my passion for aviation really took off, and I decided to change direction. That’s when I enrolled in Aviation Australia’s Certificate IV in Aeroskills (Mechanical), which laid the foundation for my future in aircraft maintenance.
In 2021, I secured an apprenticeship with Boeing Defence Australia (BDA), where I joined the Helicopter Aircrew Training Systems (HATS) program. Through this role, I developed my mechanical skills and gained hands-on experience working on the Australian Defence Force’s fleet of EC-135T2+ training helicopters.
After years of training and experience, I officially became a qualified Aircraft Maintenance Engineer in 2024, right after finishing my apprenticeship. I also earned my A3 DASA military license and am now working toward my B1.3 license. My career has taken me across Australia, from Coffs Harbour to Melbourne, working on aircraft projects that continue to push my skills and knowledge.”
“One of the biggest milestones for me was achieving my Certificate IV in Aeroskills, which allowed me to transition from an apprentice to a fully qualified Aircraft Maintenance Engineer. It wasn’t just a qualification—it was proof of all the skills I had developed, the dedication I had put in, and the doors that were now open to me in the industry.
This achievement gave me more career stability, licensing potential, and credibility within Boeing Defence Australia. It also boosted my confidence and reinforced that I had chosen the right path. Knowing that I had reached this point purely through my hard work and persistence made it incredibly rewarding.”
“I love the outdoors—camping and surfing along the South Coast of New South Wales is my way of unwinding. It gives me the perfect balance between my career and personal passions.”
Gabi’s journey is a powerful example of how passion, persistence, and hands-on experience can shape an incredible career in aviation. From shifting career paths to excelling in a highly technical industry, she continues to inspire future generations of aviation professionals, proving that the sky is not the limit—it’s just the beginning.