One of the most “fantastic industries in the world” has a raft of jobs to fill and a dynamic event in Cairns this weekend will showcase all the opportunities on offer.
The Aviation Careers Day will be held at the Cairns Airport General Aviation Precinct from 9am-12pm on Sunday August 14.
More than 20 employers, including Aviation Australia, Skytek, Central Queensland University (CQU),Australian Border Force, Defence Australia, Jet Aviation, Skytrans and more, will be on hand to talk about their unique workplaces.
A range of roles are up for grabs, including in airport operations, security, baggage handling, engineering, hospitality and retail, with pathways for apprentices, trainees and people looking for a career change.
Cairns Airport Chief Executive Officer Richard Barker said the free event would also be an excellent activity for families, with a fixed-wing aircraft, helicopter, fire trucks and other equipment out on display.
“The Aviation Careers Day is going to be a great morning out for both jobseekers and families,” he said,
“I’m sure big kids and the little ones will be impressed by all the action. We also have CQU opening their flight simulator for people to try, which will no doubt be very popular.”
“There are a huge variety of roles and skills required within the aviation industry and an event like this one is an easy, invaluable way to learn all about it.”
Chris Pigott, Aviation Australia Business Manager for North Queensland and Northern Territory, said there was a critical shortage of staff across the aviation industry in Cairns and nationally, and jobs were ready to be filled immediately, for the right applicants.
“Every company at the airport with positions to fill will be present on Sunday,” he said.
“If you are looking for any type of career in aviation, you will be able to talk to representatives from a range of organisations and find out more information.”
Professor Doug Drury, Head of Aviation at CQU and a former pilot, said there were multiple pathways and opportunities on offer.
“The future is bright. Globally, we will need more than 700,000 pilots in the next 20 years and nearly a million managers and a million maintenance specialists,” he said.
“And you can be part of it on the ground as much as you can in the air. It is one of the most fantastic industries in the world.”
Skytek has a series of roles available for immediate start, including a traineeship in technical records, apprentice engineer positions and skilled licensed aircraft maintenance engineer positions.
Chief Executive Officer Alana McKenna said a career in aviation could enable people to work wherever they liked, whether locally or around the world.
“It is an exciting and dynamic industry,” she said.“ No day is ever the same.”
StarFM’s Dave and Inkie will broadcast live during the free Cairns Airport Aviation Careers Day. The Kamerunga Rover Scouts and the Edmonton Scout Group will run a fundraising sausage sizzle, also selling cold drinks and coffee. Both cash and Eftpos will be accepted.
Hand sanitiser and face masks will be available, and attendees are encouraged to wear a hat. Visit cairnsairport.com.au/aviation-careers-day for more information.