The first student has graduated from the Diploma of Aeroskills (Mechanical) course at TAFE NSW Newcastle, just a year after it was opened.
There is a national shortage of aircraft maintenance engineers. By 2027, there could be a supply deficit of more than 48,000 aircraft maintenance workers.
Peter Carmichael has worked in the industry for 14 years, and currently works at Pays Air Service in Scone, maintaining and repairing aircraft.
He also travels to Europe for several months each year, to service aircraft used in aerial firefighting efforts, and said completing the diploma was "a huge moment" in his career.
"Gaining this diploma means a lot to me, both personally and professionally," Mr Carmichael said.
"The course was also fee free, which allowed me to undertake this essential training without the added financial stress. This was important for me because I have a young family.
"My teachers were incredibly supportive, working with my schedule to offer evening sessions to ensure I could prioritise both work and study.
"Their expertise was invaluable, they have worked in the industry and were able to provide hands-on training, based on their experience."
Newcastle TAFE offered the Diploma of Aeroskills (Mechanical) after the Civil Aviation Safety Authority changed the requirements needed to become a licensed aircraft engineer.
TAFE NSW aviation teacher Michael Crawley said his team was working with defence companies like BAE Systems to train employees.
"Demand for licenced aircraft maintenance engineers is only going to grow, so our industry partnerships are crucial to upskilling engineers to obtain their licence, and ensure the workforce meets the CASA requirements," Mr Crawley said.
"We are always striving to find innovative training solutions to meet the needs of industry.
"The Aviation Hub here at TAFE NSW Newcastle is well equipped to deliver quality training to the Aircraft Engineers of the future."
Good for rugby, good for business
The Hunter Wildfires are trying to kill two birds with one stone (or break two tackles with one sidestep), offering opportunities for the next generation of talented rugby players and business community leaders.
The top-tier club competes in the Shute Shield against clubs that have histories stretching back decades and talent pathways that are well-trotted.
To compete, the club has started its own scholarship initiative, with plans to expand the program into networking and employment opportunities.
Lake Macquarie Private Hospital chief executive and Hunter Wildfires Foundation chair Sharon Rewitt said the club had already raised enough money for two $3000 scholarships, which will be available to a male and female player next year.
"Traditionally young men and women from the region with the potential to play elite rugby would go to a Sydney university or one of the clubs down there," she said.
"There's never been a clear pathway for local talent.
"The whole focus of the foundation is to attract talent and keep talent in the region."
At the moment the program is focused on university scholarships, but the foundation wants to expand it to provide opportunities in business and trades.
"Not everyone is going to go to university, so we want to build networks between players and local businesses," she said.
"We really want to create opportunities locally so our next generation of talent isn't going to Sydney."
While the program is focused on rugby, Ms Rewitt said it would be a win-win for the community.
"If they train and study here, perhaps they end up loving the area and staying to become part of our thriving community," she said.
"Hopefully one day we will watch someone from the Wildfires representing the Wallabies, who we gave an opportunity to through the scholarship program."
The foundation's goal is to offer five scholarships for players studying at the University of Newcastle from 2025 onwards. For more information, or to get involved with the foundation, get in touch with the Hunter Wildfires.
Community rallies for hospital
The Calvary Mater Newcastle Auxiliary has raised more than $275,000 for the hospital, exceeding last years' fundraising efforts by more than $44,000.
A huge effort.
Hunter Means Business is a weekly column proudly flying the flag for the region's economic sector, published every Tuesday. Got a tip? Email jamieson.murphy@newcastleherald.com.au
