Western Sydney International Airport has awarded scholarships to primary and secondary students from 18 schools in the Blacktown, Blue Mountains, Camden, Liverpool, Penrith and Wollondilly local government areas.
WSI’s inaugural Soaring Scholarships support a diverse range of aviation-related educational activities including introductory flying lessons, industry certifications, aerospace and engineering projects, STEM workshops, flight simulations, drone operations, and supply chain and logistics programs.
Some students will undertake an Introduction to Aviation micro-credential delivered by Western Sydney University in partnership with WSI. This aviation credential has been designed to support students in preparing for jobs at WSI.
Several schools will use the funding to deliver peer-led STEM education initiatives and aviation projects, including aeronautical design challenges and a STEM careers day.
WSI CEO Simon Hickey said the strong response to the inaugural program highlighted the enthusiasm and talent across Western Sydney schools.
“The quality of applications for our Soaring Scholarships program demonstrates the enormous interest in Western Sydney to pursue opportunities in STEM and aviation,” Hickey said.
“These scholarships are about helping students build confidence, skills and real-world experience, while opening doors to the many career pathways that will continue to flourish over the decades ahead.
“We will need a highly skilled local workforce to take up the approximately 8,500 jobs that are forecast across the precinct as we grow to serve up to 10 million passengers each year in the 2030s.
“We’re proud to support students from a wide range of backgrounds and communities as they take meaningful steps towards careers in aviation, engineering, logistics, technology and other future focused industries.”
The Soaring Scholarships program forms part of WSI’s broader commitment to education, skills and workforce development across Western Sydney, complementing initiatives including the First Nations Taking Off school to work program, industry immersion experiences and partnerships with education providers including Western Sydney University.
