Launching pad for career in the aviation industry

HIGH school students from across the Northern Rivers got a firsthand look at careers in aviation, defence and engineering at the Student Aviation Careers Expo in Ballina this week.

Held over two days at Ballina Byron Gateway Airport, the annual event connected students with representatives from flight schools, aviation support services and the Australian Defence Force.

The expo, now in its fifth year, is a partnership between the NSW Department of Education, local council and Ballina Byron Gateway Airport. About 150 students attended the event.

“We started out with just 50 students and now it’s grown into a two-day event,” NSW Department of Education pathway program manager Tracy Bolt said.

“We have a great relationship with Ballina airport and the students can learn about wildlife management and all sorts of things that they probably haven’t thought about in the aviation industry.”

Xavier Catholic College student Toby Kirwan said the event had sparked his interest in flight schools and defence pathways.

“I might look at some of the flight schools and see what more they have to offer,” he said.

“I want to start learning as much as I can about flying and hopefully get into the air force.”

Fellow student Kyan Brough said he was interested in the engineering and mechanical side of planes.

Xavier Catholic College careers advisor Julian White said the expo gave students a clearer idea of what was possible.

“Most of the time kids can’t picture themselves in an industry unless they can actually see it,” he said.

“This just helps firm up their decisions when they see how much is here.

“Talking to people in uniform helps break down barriers and gives them an idea of where they need to start.”

Participants this year included the Australian Defence Force, Qantas Pilot Training Academy, Airservices Australia, Avisure, White Star Aviation, TAFE NSW and MSS Security.