Thirty apprentice aircraft engineers have begun their studies as Qantas’ new Brisbane-based engineering academy opens its doors
Qantas Domestic CEO Markus Svensson said today’s (January 20) opening of the Qantas Group Engineering Academy would see the national carrier train the next generation of aircraft engineers.
Mr Svensson said the academy offered an updated training program developed by Qantas and Aviation Australia designed to increase the number of apprentices that could be trained each year.
“Under the new Academy training program, the initial tranche of 30 apprentices training this year will have the opportunity to undertake simulated practical tasks in a controlled environment that mirrors working in a hangar, alongside their theory and classroom training,” he said.
“As part of their training, they will also learn through on-the-job training under the supervision of experienced Qantas engineers.”
Mr Svensson said QantasLink would donate its last Boeing 717 to officially retire (VH-YQW) to the Academy to allow apprentices to do part of their training on a jet aircraft.
“Qantas has trained aircraft engineers for many decades around the country and the Academy will play a vital role in equipping the next generation of aircraft engineers with the practical skills and expertise needed to sustain and grow our industry, ensuring we meet the increasing demand for a highly skilled aviation workforce.”
Aviation Australia CEO Glenn Ryan said the number of apprentices training under the new Engineering Academy program would grow in coming years to up to 150.
Mr Ryan said female students were expected to make up a quarter of engineering apprentices starting this year, up from 18 percent in 2023.
He said, in total, the Qantas Group would have more than 250 engineering apprentices in training across Australia this year, up 45 percent on the previous year.
Mr Svensson said the Engineering Academy in Brisbane built on the Group’s existing training footprint in Queensland alongside the Group’s Pilot Academy in Toowoomba and established heavy maintenance and pilot training facilities at Brisbane Airport.
