A new aviation defence program will be held in Newcastle to attract maintenance engineers, amid a shortage that threatens the airworthiness of Australian aircraft.
The NSW government-funded program will be held for five days from Monday at TAFE Newcastle's "aviation delivery hub".
The aim is to give school leavers and young adults insight into a career as an aircraft maintenance engineer.
Participants will get a tour behind the scenes of the BAE Systems site at Williamtown.
This program aims to encourage more people to enrol in a TAFE certificate II in aeroskills, which provides opportunity for jobs in the Hunter's defence industry.
The course teaches students to work on various aircraft, interpret aviation maintenance manuals and gain industry experience.
BAE Systems Australia's aerospace director Andrew Chapman said "a career in aviation isn't just about flying an aircraft, it's about working as a team to make sure aircraft fly".
"It's about keeping everyone safe so they can perform their mission," Mr Chapman said.
"If you're an aircraft enthusiast or you just have an interest in all things mechanical, like checking engines and making repairs, this could be a rewarding career path."
A submission to the federal government's Aviation White Paper last year said the shortage of licensed aircraft maintenance engineers in Australia was "now at crisis point".
"If we do not address this immediately, the continuing airworthiness of the Australian aircraft fleet will be significantly compromised," the Regional Aviation Association of Australia submission said.
It was concerned that more aviation maintenance organisations would be "forced to close their hangar doors, threatening the future viability of the Australian aviation industry and critical transport infrastructure".
Maintenance organisations, particularly those in regional areas, were "struggling to employ and retain" aircraft maintenance engineers.
"The warning signs have been apparent for many years," the submission said.
The NSW government worked with TAFE NSW on the aviation program to attract talent and boost the defence industry workforce in the Hunter.
The government provided a $70,000 grant under its "workforce development scheme".
NSW Minister for TAFE Steve Whan said there had been "a growing need for more aircraft maintenance engineers" for a long time.
"This program is giving students the chance to learn all about it from some of the best," Mr Whan said.
Regional NSW Minister Tara Moriarty said "students can combine an interest in the modern aircraft industry with working within a critical sector in the heart of the Hunter".
Ms Moriarty said the program would "show students and job seekers the employment possibilities available in this exhilarating field".
She said the government sought to help strengthen the defence industry.
"It is vital that we continue to invest in skills and employment opportunities."
Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said the program would give "our smart young students a unique look at an incredibly rewarding career".
"We're working with TAFE to ensure our kids can develop the skills required for good jobs and a prosperous future," Ms Catley said.
"The Hunter has a rich, unparalleled industrial history. The government is focused on ensuring our region continues to thrive."
