Townsville students are the first in the region enrolled in an innovative course training them with the skills and knowledge they need to become future aviators and establish exciting career options in our rapidly evolving and ever-changing airspace.
The Certificate II course in Aircraft Line Maintenance, designed, developed and delivered by Aviation Australia, made possible through the collaboration of the ‘Aerospace Gateway Industry Schools program’ (AGISP), Townsville State High School, Regional School Industry Partnership Program, a joint initiative between The Department of Education and the Department of Trade, Employment and Training, and Townsville Catholic Education coming together to provide workforce solutions locally, regionally and globally.
The twenty-five students who have commenced the Certificate II Aircraft Line Maintenance course delivered at Townsville State High School (TSHS) are enrolled at a number of schools including St Anthony’s Catholic College, William Ross State High School, Southern Cross Catholic College, Ignatius Park, Ryan Catholic College, Pimlico and Townsville State High School.
Aviation Australia’s CEO, Glenn Ryan said Townsville was chosen as the next campus location for Aviation Australia because of its, general aviation industry and defence investment and growing tourism.
“We are excited about our expansion into Townsville and collaborating with the local aerospace industry and educators to inspire students and encourage them to consider aviation as a an exciting career path, in one of our sky’s rapidly growing regions” he said.
He said the program, which was crucial to supporting and developing the workforce pipeline required to maintain Townsville’s expanding aviation industry, was headed up by former Principal of TSHS and now Aviation Australia’s Chief Academic Officer, Ian Smythe.
“Mr Smythe introduced the Aerospace Gateway to Industry Schools Program 20 years ago,” said Mr Ryan.
“The course is being delivered by one of the industry’s best – educating the students about the fundamentals of aviation maintenance, including electrical and avionic components as well as basic repairs of aircraft elements.”
TSHS Principal, Murray James said some of the region’s brightest students had enrolled in the Certificate II course, as well as the other VET Aviation Programs in Townsville schools which includes a Certificate III in remote piloting.
“The sky’s the limit for our region’s learners,” he said.
“They will gain even more practical, real-world information and support inside and outside of the classroom – opening up their minds to both technical and non-technical pathways.”