Newcastle Airport holds another aviation careers day

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

The Aviation Careers Day continues to be the only aviation-specific careers event for high school students in the Hunter region.

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 this growing industry.

The students heard from experts from Newcastle Airport, BAE Systems, 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 F/A 18 Hornets and 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," said Newcastle Airport CEO, Paul Hughes.

"Students gained first-hand knowledge and information from industry experts, and of course had the opportunity to tour the BAE hangar.

"Newcastle Airport is a leading economic driver of our region with growth continuing across our aviation precinct. It is 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," Paul Hughes said.

There needs to be more of this. With the aviation industry competing with so many other skills-threatened industries in this country, every initiative that engages with school students well before their career-decision deadline around the HSC year is to be welcomed and applauded.