Home » News » First set of Qantas engineering apprentices arrive at Brisbane training facility

20 January, 2025

First set of Qantas engineering apprentices arrive at Brisbane training facility

L to R, Alex Hodgson, Tyson Hersee, Liam Clements, Jaxon Reihana, Alysha Paterson, at Aviation Australia, Aviation training institute, Brisbane Airport QLD - on Friday 17th January 2025 - Photo Steve Pohlner

Edited by Travel Weekly

Qantas’ new engineering academy in Brisbane will today open its doors for the first time as its first intake of apprentices arrive at the facility.

The Academy will train the next generation of aircraft engineers through an updated training program developed by Qantas and Aviation Australia designed to increase the number of apprentices that can be trained each year.

Apprentices training this year will be able to undertake simulated practical tasks in a controlled environment that mirrors working in a hangar, alongside their theory and classroom training. As part of their training, they will also learn through on-the-job training under the supervision of experienced Qantas engineers.

30 first-year students will commence their training under the new Engineering Academy program, with this number to grow in coming years to up to 150. Female students are expected to make up a quarter of engineering apprentices starting this year, up from 18 per cent in 2023.

QantasLink will also donate its last Boeing 717 to officially retire (VH-YQW) to the Academy to allow apprentices to do part of their training on a jet aircraft.

Qantas Domestic CEO Markus Svensson said that the opening of the Qantas Group Engineering Academy will see the national carrier train the next generation of aircraft engineers.

“Qantas has a proud history of having some of the best engineers in the world and investments like our new Engineering Academy in Brisbane will help ensure this history continues,” Mr Svensson said.

“Qantas has trained aircraft engineers for many decades around the country and the Academy will play a vital role in equipping the next generation of aircraft engineers with the practical skills and expertise needed to sustain and grow our industry, ensuring we meet the increasing demand for a highly skilled aviation workforce.

“We have hundreds of new aircraft on order for the Qantas Group and with new fleet comes further opportunities to invest in our people, their training and also recruitment to ensure a steady and diverse pipeline of engineering talent in Australia.

“The donation of the B717 is an important milestone helping deliver updated training that will boost apprentice numbers and following more than two decades of service in the Qantas Group, it’s fitting that this aircraft will continue to contribute to Australian aviation history.”

Aviation Australia CEO, Glenn Ryan said the training provider was proud to offer training programs that equip apprentices with the skills and knowledge to excel.

“This partnership reflects our shared commitment to building a resilient, diverse aviation workforce and setting new standards for innovation and excellence in training,” Ryan said.

“Working in partnership with Qantas, the Academy will draw on our shared engineering training expertise to deliver a world-class program which will provide technical training and job-ready skills for generations of engineers to come.”

Feature image: L to R, Alex Hodgson, Tyson Hersee, Liam Clements, Jaxon Reihana, Alysha Paterson, at Aviation Australia, Aviation training institute, Brisbane Airport QLD, Photo Steve Pohlner.

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