The Andrews Labor Government is giving more women the skills they need to succeed in the aviation industry, with aviation apprenticeships and maintenance training boosting opportunities for women across Victoria.
Minister for Training and Skills Gayle Tierney today met Rachel Ng, Sally Mustang and Shi Ling, all Aviation Australia apprentices who are taking part in aviation maintenance training at Bombardier Melbourne Service Centre, made possible by the Labor Government's Skills First program.
The Skills First Program has supported more than 32 female students with subsidised Aeroskills training, with more than $1.5 million invested in Aviation Australia to deliver the courses. Since 2017, Aviation Australia has provided subsidised training to more than 214 Victorian students.
Apprentice Rachel Ng has embarked on her aviation career by undertaking the Certificate IV in Aeroskills at Bombardier, with her dream to become a Flight Mechanic or Engineer. Fellow Aeroskills apprentices Sally Mustang and Shi Ling are also getting the specialised skills they need to make their passion for planes and avionics take flight.
Together with industry partners Bombardier and AI Group, the program is driving important change in this historically male dominated sector - with women making up less than 10 per cent of the aviation workforce.
The Labor Government is helping students in Gippsland build specialist aviation industry skills, thanks to a grant of more than $141,000 awarded to Aviation Australia to deliver aircraft line maintenance training in the region. Students who complete the training can seek apprenticeships with Jet Aviation at the RAAF base in East Sale.
The Government also recently announced an agreement with Qantas to establish the Qantas Group Engineering Academy in Victoria, creating a pipeline of skilled staff through a training partnership with Aviation Australia.
Since 2014, the Labor Government has invested more than $4 billion to training, skills and higher education, providing opportunities to give every Victorian access to high quality education and rewarding career pathways.
As stated by Minister for Training and Skills Gayle Tierney
"Our Skills First program is reshaping the training and skills sector, investing in high-quality training providers that help Victorians get the skills they need for the jobs they deserve."
As stated by Member for Essendon Danny Pearson
"Essendon is a hub for aviation in Victoria, and we are pleased to see more training opportunities with local businesses that will help trainees and apprentices secure their future."
As stated by Aviation Australia Technical Training Manager Leif Mawson
"Many of our female students have said the Skills First funding was a key contributor in deciding to undertake an apprenticeship and, they feel well supported through their training journey."
As stated by Aviation Australia apprentice Sally Mustang
"I would never have thought that such an unbelievable opportunity in aviation was available."
