In collaboration, the Department of Education, TAFE NSW and the Vocational Innovation Centre, supported by subject matter experts from Western Sydney International (Nancy Bird-Walton) Airport (WSI), have launched the Aviation - Certificate I for students as young as 14 years old. The new course marks the beginning of an initiative designed to open doors to careers in aviation, including future employment opportunities at the new Western Sydney International Airport, by equipping students with foundational skills, industry knowledge and a nationally recognised qualification.
With classes starting today at Seven Hills High School’s Vocational Innovation Centre (VIC), 15 students from surrounding Western Sydney schools will participate in the program’s first intake, gaining essential training, entry-level education, and pathways to careers in the aviation industry over one schooling term.
WSI’s CEO Simon Hickey expressed enthusiasm for the continued focus on building aviation skills for future generations, emphasising that the future 24/7 airport's greatest legacy will be the depth and breadth of career opportunities it has and will continue to deliver for the people of Western Sydney and beyond.
"We've worked closely with schools, TAFE NSW, Western Sydney University and other institutions since construction began to raise awareness about job opportunities, provide mentoring, and offer pathways to join our team via traineeship and apprenticeship programs,” he said.
"As our opening day rapidly approaches, it’s tremendous to see the variety of jobs the airport will now offer across aviation and many other connected industries, with schools like Seven Hils High School creating excellent pathways for young people to realize these opportunities.
"Meaningful, diverse, high-paying jobs close to people's homes and families – that’s truly the 'secret sauce' of this airport and the surrounding Bradfield City and broader Aerotropolis that will change the face of this city forever."
