I grew up in Melbourne, Australia, but in the late ’90s, I embarked on an adventure overseas and worked in the aerospace industry in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Twenty years later, I returned to Melbourne with my family and was hired by a large aircraft component repair shop. I clearly had the skills required to do the work, but on paper, my trade qualifications in pattern making (mold making) and plumbing /Sheetmetal were not matching the needs of the business.

I was introduced to Aviation Australia through my employer, so I could obtain a CERT IV in Aeroskills (structures) as part of my continued employment. The first step of the process was to go through the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process to work out what would be required to fill in the gaps that my previous trade qualifications and working experience overseas did not satisfy.

As a mature aged student, I was somewhat overwhelmed when I realized that I would be back in a classroom after 20+ years, but after talking to my initial contact Megan Gilbert, she assured me that I would be supported by the teachers and that they knew my entire story as they had taken part in the RPL process. Soon after, I was introduced to my two teachers Adrian Lane and Dave Pollard at the Essendon Fields Melbourne training center. My training plan spanned over one year.

Adrian and Dave were nothing but helpful and non-judgmental as they offered me their guidance and time, reassuring me through the whole process. They were always available on a personal level and listened to my concerns and questions. They spent time explaining key aspects of the coursework and giving me the confidence to self-study and complete exams accordingly. I was prepared to go into the exams and again, if I had questions, I could reach out for them to clarify. I never felt alone in the process. I’m now proud to call them now my past teachers as well as professional connections. Long after graduation, I wouldn’t hesitate to stop by and talk to them.

I would highly recommend Aviation Australia as a training facility and would not hesitate in recommending their services to others in the industry.

Isaac completed the Certificate IV in Aeroskills (Avionics).

Isaac was offered two apprenticeships while still at Aviation Australia and is now working as an avionics apprentice at Boeing. Isaac explains how in his role he is presented with new tasks to learn every day and feels supported by his colleagues who want to see him grow within his position.

Isaac first started in the industry as a ground handler for a small regional airline at Brisbane airport, he knew very little about aircraft or how the industry worked. After a year of working he figured he could see a future in Aircraft Maintenance that would be challenging  and felt he would enjoy. He chose to study Avionics due to his interest and understanding of electronics. Explaining how he thought Avionics presented more longevity to him as the world is moving forward with more electric motors and systems to harness “cleaner” energy.

Isaac believes his year of study gave him a good understanding of the basics, making easier to focus on the more advanced parts of the job and allow him to move forward faster in his apprenticeship.

His advice for securing other students is “make your application personalised toward the company you are applying for, don’t use the same cover letter for everyone. If you get to an interview stage, know what you are talking about and prepare for the questions you may be asked.”

 

 

 

Po-Ying completed the Diploma of Aircraft Maintenance Engineering – Mechanical (TB1), including Part 66 Certificate of Recognition EASA and GCAA, in May 2019. 

He is now working as an Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Trainee in Taiwan with Evergree Aviation Technologies, a subsidiary MRO of EVA Air. In his role, Po-Ying has the opportunity to work on a variety of types of aircraft from different airlines, including A321, A330, B737, B747, B767 , B777 and B787.

He believes that “the great training facilities (at Aviation Australia) plus some interesting (but professional) instructors have been the key to empowering our learning, which was also the most enjoyable part of the course”.

His advice to other students is that “without work experience, it will definitely be hard at the beginning. But you just need to be patient, there will always be an opportunity for you someday somewhere.”

 

Ben studied Structures / Mechanical at Aviation Australia

“I am a ex student who was enrolled on the structural mechanical course in 2014. I would just like to say thank you to the Aviation Australia team for teaching me my foundations to my aviation career. Your training made it possible for me to graduate my apprenticeship, as a mechanical technician with QinetiQ at MoD Boscombe Down in the United Kingdom. Your training is still being used today with my current role, working for Boeing Defence UK on the CH-47 chinook aircraft. When I first signed up to this course I had no idea where it would take me, I have worked on fast jet fighters to helicopters and large UAVs. I have been deployed on military exercises launching drones at destroyers simulating enemy attacks, and this has really been possible due the the training I received. I would just like to thank you again and say keep up the great work !”

Aviation Australia put together a customised industry course for PNG Air Training.

“I believe the course met the needs for PNG Air. We have finally managed to clear a CASA PNG finding for a course that didn’t previously exist in PNG. The ability for Aviation Australia to arrange a course and design the course from scratch was better than we expected. We would look at using your organisation in the future if we have other training needs.”

“The CASA Module 10 training course satisfied our training requirements, with very positive feedback from my end. It was a great learning experience for everyone involved, particularly for individuals that aren’t in the regulations day to day.”

• Course is well structured
• The course is run at a good pace
• Instructor (Geoff) was excellent, very knowledgeable and kept to the point. He also ensured that there was participation from the class.

Usama studied the International Diploma 1.1 course and now works at Oman Airlines.

As a line maintenance technician my role is to:  
> Check aircraft on arrival for any defects and rectify it as required by engineer  
> Check engines, APU, hydraulic systems for oil level and service it as required
> Refuel the aircraft as per fuel figure 
> Perform pre-departure checks
> Prepare the aircraft for pushback

“I’m glad that I studied at Aviation Australia. I gained skills from very experienced instructors during practical training. The best part of it is the simulation of the real world which prepared me for this job. The most exciting part of the job is learning new things everyday and meeting new people from around the world.”

Kevin studied the Certificate IV in Aeroskills – Avionics and is now completing his apprenticeship as a Flight Simulator Technician at Ansett Aviation Training. 

“The Avionics course I completed last year definitely helped me with the basic knowledge and skills I require for this role which was key for me in securing this position. Especially in simulation as part of the job is test flying the simulators to check for correct operation of flight controls, instruments, radio, navigation, auto pilot, ILS landing systems, electronics etc. Seeing and experiencing all these systems and already having the basic knowledge from my studies is really aiding me in my learning process.”

 

 

Daniele studied the Certificate IV in Aeroskills – Structures and is now working as a first year apprentice Aircraft Maintenance Engineer – Mechanical at Qantas.

“I believe that without the Aeroskills course I did I would have never been able to get this job, especially with a prestigious company like Qantas. Aviation is an awesome industry and if you have the passion and the right attitude there will always be opportunities for a wonderful career.”

 

 

 

Alex studied the Certificate IV in Aeroskills – Structures and is now working as an apprentice Aircraft Maintenance Engineer – Mechanical at Air Gold Coast.

“Completing the institutional program at Aviation Australia put me in a better position by allowing me to have a greater understanding of working around aircraft and using correct procedures to complete tasks. I was lucky enough to be one of few people in our class to secure an apprenticeship before graduating. I strongly believe that by putting myself out there to secure work experience and the theory training I was already doing put me in a very strong position as a future apprentice.

The best part of my apprenticeship is the variety of aircraft that roll through the hangar doors. We look after pressurised and unpressurised aircraft, piston and gas turbine engines, composite and metal skinned airframes as well as experimental aircraft. By being exposed to such variety it allows me to gain a better understanding of aircraft systems and regulatory standards.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Francis completed his Dual International Diploma and is now working for Solomon Airlines.

“I decided to study at Aviation Australia because it is an approved 147 maintenance training organisation offering both EASA and CASA approved aircraft engineering programs. Aviation Australia also has world class training facilities and instructors that have a wealth of knowledge, experience and skills who come from different backgrounds.

The most valuable part of the course was definitely the practical training which we did for five weeks in the hanger. This is because all the activities we learnt is actually what you’d do every day in the field. It actually provides all the necessary skills to be in the field.

I am currently working at Solomon Airlines and my role is doing both line/unscheduled and base/scheduled maintenance on electrical, instrument and radio systems (avionics) on domestic fleet. My favourite part of the role is trying to bringing unserviceable aircraft on line.

My studies helped me secure the role by equipping me with necessary skills, knowledge and confidence expected of me by my workmates and supervisors. Most of all, the EASA outcome was very important as it’s internationally recognised.”

Jordan completed his International Diploma 3-15 B1.1 course and is now working for Air Asia Company Limited (AACL) in Taiwan.

I recently found myself in a tricky situation with my licence suspended by CASA. With limited facilities in the country to undertake the training I required, I contacted Aviation Australia, who was only too happy to help, even though I was in Adelaide.

I was quickly given access to the online training I required and was able to book exams online to do locally at Parafield Airport. When I needed a day’s training at the Brisbane facility, the program was well organised with an early start so that all bases could be covered on the day.

Finally, when I had finished the required exams and training, certification to CASA was quick and CASA reinstated my licence the next day. So despite what had been a daunting prospect at the start of 2018, turned out to be fairly painless due to the assistance I received from Aviation Australia.

Starting my career in motor vehicles, I spent 7 years in the heavy vehicle industry as a Diesel Mechanic. It was my siblings that convinced me to utilise my skills in the aviation industry. We are quite a competitive family and rarely shy away from a challenge. So when my brother challenged me to further my studies, I took it up without hesitation. Also, my father used to take us plane spotting when we were younger so the seed was sown from a young age.

Being a graduate of Aviation Australia has not only allowed me to build my professional network that would not have been available to me previously, it has also helped me to achieve my academic and career goals. I was able to attend school outside of my home in Singapore and receive amazing tuition and support to bring home with me. I now work for a renowned aviation organisation in Singapore and can not thank Aviation Australia enough for getting me there.

I have undertaken a Certificate IV in Aeroskills (Mechanical) at Aviation Australia and really enjoyed learning from possibly the very best in the business, I would like to thank Aviation Australia for providing me with the skills and knowledge I need to succeed in the aviation workforce. Learning as well as meeting the instructors in the industry were certainly highlights for me, along with the practical work with aircraft and components. The employment services were very helpful and I am currently in the process of being employed by a renowned aviation organisation.

 

 

 

 

 

I chose to study at Aviation Australia due to it being a EASA-approved training provider, ensuring that my qualifications would be recognised overseas. Overall, the course was wonderful and helped me to pursue my career in the aviation industry. I am now back in the Maldives working as a junior technician and I have my instructors to thank for that. My favourite part about undertaking the course was conducting practicals and studying alongside my new friends. I loved studying in Brisbane where there is no winter and the city was a great place to hang out outside of school. I recommend that anyone who is thinking of studying at Aviation Australia should go for it – you won’t regret it.

 

 

 

 

Certificate IV in Aeroskills Mechanical

I have studied twice at Aviation Australia. First back in 2008, I did a Certificate II in Cabin Crew Operations. I decided to change careers, so came back and studied a Certificate IV in Aeroskills Mechanical in 2017. What I enjoyed the most about the course would have been the hands-on experience within the Hangar. I had my challenges, but seeing the end result would me push myself with the challenges and excel myself. I was very fortunate to secure an apprenticeship with Boeing Defence Australia out at Amberley RAAF Base. I’m so honoured to be a part of Boeing. The course taught me the fundamentals which was very helpful and I still utilise the modules Aviation Australia has offered as revision in my spare time.

 

Dual Diploma of Aircraft Maintenance Engineering

I chose to study at Aviation Australia because I believed that I could achieve my goal to be an aircraft engineer there. The world-class facilities they provide for students is very hard for any universities in the world to offer.

I am very glad that Aviation Australia not only offers maintenance on actual aircraft, but they also have maintenance practice on actual engines. This gave me a huge benefit for getting the role of a Turbine Engine Engineer in my company, GE Engine Services Malaysia.

I have set myself a goal to become an Approval Holder for any sort of turbine engine that GE delivers into the workshop!

Most of the instructors were tremendously good at what they are doing from teaching to portraying good examples of maintenance practices. I would like to thank my beloved instructors for making me realise and land my dream career. I received the greatest news after completing my International Diploma, by landing my dream career at an internationally recognised engineering corporation at the mere age of 21.

To Robert Webb, your ex-student here will be an engine expert soon just like you! I will definitely utilise every tip and trick you taught us.

To Craig Williams, I did it! Thank you for everything you did for me and the class. Thank you endlessly Aviation Australia!

My advice for students considering studying at Aviation Australia is to never give up and always be the HARDEST worker in the room.

I started off my journey in the aviation industry by working for Qantas in the catering department. It was here that I learnt more about the aviation industry and developed an interest in an aviation engineering career.

One evening after work I was speaking to an apprentice engineer at Qantas about my career goals and he recommended that I looked into completing a course with Aviation Australia.

Of course, I applied and I was very pleased when I was accepted into my Brisbane based course at Aviation Australia.

Conducting practical tasks on the RB211 engine from a Boeing 747 was definitely a highlight of the course for me. Working on real aircraft in Aviation Australia’s hangar allowed me to better understand what we learnt in the classroom.

There is a wealth of knowledge to learn from the instructors at Aviation Australia. The rest of the staff at Aviation Australia were also very helpful; sending emails with job opportunities and providing support where ever it was needed.

Since finishing with Aviation Australia, I have been lucky enough to secure my dream job with Jetstar. Thanks Aviation Australia for helping me along my journey!

On behalf of my International Diploma class that graduated on 6 May 2016, I would like to thank all the staff at Aviation Australia for their hard work In helping us to achieve success.