Community
6 August, 2023
Aviation careers take-off
MORE than 300 jobs will be up for grabs at Cairns Airport’s careers day later this month as the city’s aviation sector desperately seeks staff to fill vital roles.
Most of the positions – ranging from licensed aircraft engineers and pilots to baggage handlers and hospitality staff – are expected to be snapped up straight away.
As a drawcard, a superstar stunt pilot renowned for his jaw dropping aerobatic displays will attend the aviation careers event on August 27 to greet fans and share advice.
Reigning Red Bull Air Race world champion Matt Hall and one of his protégés Emma McDonald will show off their aircraft, perform an Esplanade aerobatic display and host a presentation about their incredible career journeys at the careers day.
One of the day’s organisers – Cairns Aviation Skills Centre (CASC) business manager Chris Pigott – said the sector was struggling to get staff.
“It’s worse than last year,” he said when 200 jobs were available and the day was attended by more than 1500 people. A lot more are expected this year.
Mr Pigott said people were opting for Defence jobs instead of the commercial aviation industry.
He said the jobs available at the airport paid well and could be transferred to anywhere in the world.
“In some cases people will be able to start the next day,” Mr Pigott said. In others on the job training would be provided, he said.
“Aviation overall is a dynamic and exciting industry. We will have more than 20 employers available on the day showcasing what they do and how it could fit into your future.”
“There’s options for school leavers or anyone seeking a change of career.”
Aviation Australia, Skytek, Jet Aviation and Skytrans will be among the operators present at the careers day.
Skytek chief executive officer Alana McKenna said her business was growing and was turning away business.
She said in the past 12 months a second hangar had been added to their operations, there were currently up to 10 vacancies with the plan to double staff to 80 in five years.
Ms McKenna said Skytek was paying to train engineering cadets through (CASC).
“We have flexible working hours. Our engineers work a four-day week and enjoy a three-day weekend,” she said.
Mr Hall said adventure was the word that came to mind when talking about aviation.
“Every day is a new destination, a new manoeuvre, new people, new events,” he said.
“Aviation is growing, not shrinking, and there is and will continue to be a shortage of people in the whole industry, whether that is pilots, engineers, and airport employees.”
The annual event, held at CASC in the General Aviation recinct, is expected to be bigger and better than ever in 2023, including more aircraft displays and a slew of local employers with jobs and exciting careers pathways.
Cairns Airport chief executive officer Richard Barker said the aviation industry continued to thrive as the world reopened.
“Airports around the world are growing and adapting, and we are regularly hearing from airlines that they have a huge variety of roles available, from cabin crew, to pilots, to engineers and many more,”he said.
The event will take place from 9am-12pm and is free to attend, with a sausage sizzle and refreshments.
The CQU Aviation Centre’s Boeing 737 flight simulator will be operating and face painting will be on offer for kids, a large range of aircraft and emergency vehicles, while Zoom Helicopters will offer 10 per cent off their flights to all locals on the day, with a free video of each flight.
Register at www.cairnsairport.com.au
