FNQ Vocational Academy has partnered with Aviation Australia for a hands-on, school-to-work course training program offering employment opportunities in the growing aviation industry for local secondary students.
The initiative is the first of its kind in Australia and is due to commence in July. Year 11 and 12 students, across all state and non-state schools in Cairns, are invited to apply.
Chris Pigott, Aviation Australia Business Manager for North Queensland, said the program would provide practical, job-ready skills that could be applied widely across the aviation industry.
“Two study pathways will be offered; Aviation Ground Operations and Remote Piloting,” Pigott said. “The Aviation Ground Operations course will cover a range of essential skills, including check-in and customer service, baggage handling, ramp work, crew coordination and more. These are vital roles that keep the aviation industry moving safely and efficiently.
“The Remote Piloting course will equip students with the knowledge to operate drones legally and professionally, which is a fast-growing field. The program will include flight planning, navigation, safety procedures and regulations training.
“Aviation is a global, growing industry offering a wide range of exciting career opportunities. We’re thrilled to launch this new program for students in Cairns, as part of Aviation Australia’s proactive approach to addressing local workforce challenges. Through dedicated school programs, we’re building capability ahead of demand, contributing to a solution for today’s national aviation workforce shortages while preparing for the industry’s future needs.”
Work placement at Cairns Airport
Together with theory and school-based study, the program will include two days per week of work placement with operators based at Cairns Airport.
Cairns Airport chief executive officer Richard Barker said Cairns was well positioned to be a national leader in aviation training and employment.
“Cairns Airport is the gateway to some of Australia’s most remote regions and facilitates more than three times as many passenger movements per resident than capital cities,” Barker said.
“Airports are dynamic environments and we are continually adapting as new technology emerges and travel trends shift. This is a fun, fast-paced industry with a wide variety of employment pathways, both locally and across the globe.”
FNQ Vocational Academy is a regional initiative between the Department of Trade, Employment and Training, the Department of Education, TAFE Queensland’s Cairns campus and Trinity Bay State High School, with Aviation Australia joining as a partner for the airport-based program.
The program allows students to study for their Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) while learning practical industry skills. Other study areas already offered include construction, plumbing, electrical, engineering, maritime and automotive.
Trinity Bay State High School Principal Tony Whybird said the new aviation program would expand students’ options.
“Every student has unique interests and strengths. Offering innovative, future-focused aviation courses right here in Cairns will open the door to exciting new pathways and opportunities,” Whybird said.
“Senior students are making important decisions about their future. Supporting them with diverse training pathways not only enables them to pursue their passions, gain new experiences and find their own paths to success, it also assists employers to fill critical skill areas into the future.”
