BAE Systems Australia has welcomed its largest group of Aerospace apprentices and first cohort of aircraft engineers as the company expands its sustainment operations in response to the Royal Australia Air Force’s growing F-35 fleet and the Hawk Lead-In Fighter training aircraft.

The 2023 intake has increased threefold to include 18 apprentices and seven aircraft engineers, to be deployed across the company’s Williamtown and Pearce operating sites. This takes the total number of apprentices across the Aerospace Line of Business to 30.

A number of the apprentices met with Federal Minister for Training and Skills, Brendan O’Connor MP, when he visited BAE Systems Australia’s Williamtown facilities, north of Newcastle. Employees across Williamtown deliver a comprehensive maintenance and sustainment program for the Royal Australian Air Force and its Hawk Lead-In Fighter and F-35 programs.

Once qualified, the apprentices and aircraft engineers will be equipped with skills required to maintain and sustain aircraft for the Commonwealth’s Hawk Lead-In Fighter and F-35 programs, which play a critical role in the capability of the RAAF.

The students will undertake of theoretical learning before commencing the practical component of their certification with BAE Systems.

The Tighes Hill TAFE NSW Campus in Newcastle will host an open day this month for students, friends and families. BAE Systems is attending the activity, strengthening the growing relationship between the company’s Aerospace operations and TAFE NSW.

Minister for Training and Skills, Brendan O’Connor, said: “Seeing more people take-up apprenticeships in the aerospace sector is not only fantastic for students but also for Australia, with a strong skilled workforce vital to our future defence capabilities.” 

BAE Systems Australia, Director Aerospace, Andrew Chapman, said: “Congratulations to all our new apprentices and aircraft engineers.  It is wonderful to watch these newcomers work towards developing a career supporting the Australian Defence Force.

“The collaboration between BAE Systems Australia and TAFE NSW is a key part of our plans to grow a future aviation workforce in New South Wales and Western Australia that will sustain the Hawk and F35 fleets.

“Recruitment on this scale is critical for the development of our nation’s Aerospace industry and play a key role in safeguarding and increasing the capability of the Australian Defence Force.”