AEROSPACE PROJECT BRINGS NEW PARTNERS ON BOARD

Minister for Education and the Arts
The Honourable Rod Welford
17/02/2006

AEROSPACE PROJECT BRINGS NEW PARTNERS ON BOARD

Three leading aviation organisations and four Queensland high schools have come on board the innovative 'Aerospace Project' team, offering more opportunities for young people to get involved in the aviation industry.

Education Minister, Rod Welford, welcomed the industry partners and high schools to the program, which has been operating since 2004.

"This is a unique project that creates career pathways for students in the aviation industry," Mr Welford said.

"It also addresses skills shortages in the industry by providing high school students with work experience opportunities."

Mr Welford said the existing partnership between Education Queensland, Boeing Australia and Aviation Australia would now include Australian Aerospace, Smiths Aerospace and Brisbane Airport Corporation.

Cairns State High School, Townsville State High School, Caloundra State High School and Brisbane State High School are all joining the program, bringing the total number of schools involved to 10.

"As a result of the new partnerships, 90 five-day work placements are on offer to students this year compared to the 42 placements offered over two years in 2004 and 2005," Mr Welford said.

"Students will have the opportunity to complete work experience in aircraft maintenance technical trades, systems engineering, human resources, finance and purchasing, supply management and reception work.

"They will also have increased access to the Brisbane Airports and surrounding aerospace facilities.

"The new industry partners will also track the progression of the 200 Year 11 students in the 10 schools who are studying the new Aerospace Studies subject.

"The project has expanded in leaps and bounds since its launch and I hope that the Aerospace Project continues to attract interest from the aviation and education communities.

"Innovative partnerships like this give young Queenslanders new opportunities to participate in and contribute to the future of the Smart State."