Queensland’s aviation industry is gearing up for the future thanks to the Palaszczuk Government’s continued support.
Since 1 January 2015, the Palaszczuk government has invested more than $11.694M, subsidising 9 Aerospace related courses through the User Choice arrangements, Certificate 3 Guarantee/Higher Level Skills and the Aviation Strategy Programs with 363 completing an Aerospace related VET qualification.
Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert congratulated the winners across 13 categories at today’s ceremony.
"These awards acknowledge and celebrate our high achievers and the future leaders in aviation and I congratulate St Patrick’s College student Ashley Gall for winning the Australian Defence Force Aviation STEM Awards," she said
"The Queensland Government’s Aerospace Gateway to Industry Schools program is one way we are assisting our students to develop skills and build networks with industry."
The aerospace program will receive $155,000 in funding as part of our more than $1 million investment in the Gateway to Industry Schools program each year.
"The 18 Aerospace Gateway to Industry Schools have produced a number of high-flyers, including last year’s winner of the Year 12 Aerospace Studies Award, Finn Morris from Aviation High," she said.
"Finn is now pursuing his dreams to become a pilot and is based at the Brisbane International Airport with Menzies Aviation as a member of the ground handling crew."
Attending the 14th annual Aerospace Education Awards today, Minister for Training and Skills Development Shannon Fentiman, said it was imperative to ensure the industry had the skilled workforce to enable its continued growth.
"Rapid advances in technology are changing the nature of work, especially in the aerospace industry," Minister Fentiman said.
"Research tells us that 65 per cent of children entering primary school today will end up in jobs that don’t even exist yet, and it is vital that we future proof our training system to ensure they have the skills needed for the emerging jobs."
"We are working towards our plan for the future jobs and the Skills Summit on November 28 will bring together the state’s heads of industry to discuss the future of work with educators, training providers, mayors and unions."
"Queensland is developing into a leading centre for aerospace innovation, with Qantas due to open its pilot training academy at Wellcamp Airport in Toowoomba next year, and the new Brisbane runway scheduled for completion in 2020."
"TAE Aerospace is developing a turbine engine maintenance facility at Bundamba for Australia’s fifth-generation F-35 fighter jets and the Queensland Drones Strategy has been developed to support the potential use of drones by a range of industries.
"We are continuing to invest in the future of our young Queenslanders with free tafe for all year 12 graduates.
"There are 160 qualifications on offer in high priority industries including four courses in aviation such as a Certificate IV in Aeroskills and a Certificate III in Aircraft Surface Finishing."
