In its twentieth year, the ceremony included the presentation of 15 awards across multiple categories – presented by representatives from top aerospace companies, the Queensland government, and enthusiastic advocates of STEM education.Proudly hosted by Aviation Australia, the program provided students with the skills and knowledge to pursue careers in the aviation and aerospace sectors – a rapidly evolving industry with ever-changing technologies and multi-level airspace use.
“We are very passionate about working with Queensland schools and the aerospace industry to raise awareness of aviation as an exciting career path,” said Glenn Ryan, Chief Executive Officer at Aviation Australia.
“Through our popular gateway to industry program, we are inspiring students right across the State, and providing hands-on training and real-life experience in a fast-developing and innovative aerospace industry,” said Mr Ryan.
Queensland Minister for Employment and Training Ros Bates said the Aerospace Gateway to Industry Schools Program (AGISP) continues to inspire young Queenslanders to get their wings by pursuing an exciting aerospace career.
“With the support of Aviation Australia, the Aerospace Gateway now operates in 30 Queensland schools – including the addition of three new schools this year.
“To help our State’s aerospace sector take off, we know we’ll need the best and brightest talent the Gateway has to offer.
“For 20 years, the Aerospace Industry Education Awards has celebrated that talent by recognising the outstanding achievements of students, teachers, and schools.
“As another school year ends, I’m excited to meet all the finalists of this year’s Awards, who have so passionately and diligently invested in aerospace education and training.”
“As a founding member of this initiative, Boeing sees enormous value in the Aerospace Gateway to Industry Schools program and awards,” said Matt Buckle, Director Engineering, Boeing Defence Australia.
“This program enables us to inspire and equip students with the skills they need to excel in the aerospace industry, and we’ve welcomed a number of Gateway students to Boeing as a direct result. Schools gain practical, real-world information and support for students wishing to take both technical and non-technical pathways, and in turn, our employees receive a wonderful opportunity to give back to the community through the classroom, which they love.”
Aviation Enterprise Award – Sponsored by Brisbane Airport Corporation
Winner: Eve Bowler (Miami State High School)
Empowerment Award – Sponsored by Griffith University
Winners: Keeley Pawson (Mueller College) and Cullen Peseta (Mueller College)
Young Aviator Award – Sponsored by Aviation Australia & The Honourable Company of
Air Pilots (Australian Region)
Runner up: Miles Stace (Indooroopilly State High School)
Winner: Mia Harris (St Mary’s College, Ipswich)
Young Innovator Award – Sponsored by TAE Aerospace
Winner: Dhruv Thakur (Aviation High School)
Future Aerospace Award – Sponsored by Australian Youth Aerospace Association
Winners: Dustin James McGuire (Marsden State High School) and Mia Harris (St Mary’s College, Ipswich)
Year 10 Aerospace Award – Sponsored by GE Aerospace
Winner: Emma Roberts (Aviation High School)
Year 11 Aerospace Award – Sponsored by Qantas
Runner up: Connor McAlonan (Mueller College)
Winner: Alex Druce (St Mary’s College, Toowoomba)
Year 11 Aerospace Systems Award – Sponsored by Airbus
Runner up: Oliver Kettridge (Coolum State High School)
Winner: Vaioleti Tuioti (Indooroopilly State High School)
Year 12 Aerospace Systems Award– Sponsored by Airbus
Runner up: Om Clohessy (Aviation High School)
Winner: Lauren Steczkowicz (Burpengary State Secondary College)
Year 12 Aerospace Project Award – Sponsored by The Royal Aeronautical Society (Australian Division)
Winner: Cadel Ryan (Iona College)
Spirit of Boeing Award – Sponsored by Boeing Defence Australia
Winner: Joshua Johnson (Aviation High School)
Female Aerospace Scholarship – Sponsored by Boeing Defence Australia
Winner: Kimberly Ortega (St Patricks College, Mackay)
Aeroskills Scholarship – Sponsored by Boeing Defence Australia
Winner: Edmond Van Kleef (The Industry School)
Teacher Excellence Award – sponsored by Boeing Defence Australia, Northrop Grumman Australia & GE Aerospace
Winner: Paul Bonato (Benowa State High School)
Aerospace Gateway School of the Year – Sponsored by Civil Aviation Safety Authority
Winner: Burpengary State Secondary College
