Newcastle Airport careers day gives students a thirst for aviation

Newcastle Airport hosted more than 120 high school students at its sixth annual Aviation Careers Day earlier this week.

Held on Tuesday, Newcastle Airport’s Aviation Careers Day is the only aviation-specific careers event for high school students in the Hunter region of NSW. Students from years 9, 10 and 11 took part in presentations conducted by aviation industry specialists.

In a workshop setting, presenters outlined and explained the variety of aviation jobs that are available and the paths that can be taken to get involved in the industry. Students heard from various aviation professionals from the likes of Newcastle Airport, BAE Systems, the International School of Aviation, Jetstar, Newcastle Helicopters, Defence Force Recruiting, Hunter TAFE, and the University of Newcastle.

Students also had the opportunity to get up-close to aircraft, including RAAF F/A 18 Hornets and a number of helicopters.

“For students interested in pursuing a career in the aviation industry, the Newcastle Airport Aviation Careers Day continues to be a valuable and not-to-be-missed experience,” Newcastle Airport CEO Paul Hughes said. “Students gained first-hand knowledge and information from industry experts, and had the opportunity to tour the BAE hangar.

“It’s tremendous that Newcastle Airport’s aviation partners came together to promote aviation careers to local students to ensure we attract talent so we have a highly skilled workforce that can lead us into the future.”

The Aviation Careers Day is an initiative of Newcastle Airport’s Community Engagement Program – and given the forecast skills shortages, not just in aviation but across a number of industries in Australia, it’s a very worthy cause to support.

Any and all initiatives, be it careers days, open days, airport tours or other activities, that address high school students who are considering which career path to take should be applauded. Let’s see more of it.

CAPTION: High school students participate in a workshop at this year's Newcastle Airport Aviation Careers Day.