Sixteen aerospace trainees begin at Boeing Defence in SA

Boeing Defence Australia (BDA) has welcomed a cohort of 16 trainee aerospace workers to its P-8A Poseidon through life support program, which BDA says is its largest single intake of trainees.

Over 40 new trades employees are required over the next two years for the upgrade program, said Ben Knabe, director of BDA’s Product Support, Training & Maintenance. This made it one of the largest military aircraft recruitment efforts in South Australia for decades.

“This trainee program is part of [a] new approach to building a sustainable Australian aircraft maintenance workforce for the future,” said Knabe in a statement on Tuesday.

“That’s driven innovative thinking and deep partnerships between Federal and South Australian governments, defence primes and Flight One on ways of generating a new trades workforce from outside of defence. This first tranche of trainees is a testament to its success.”

The group has commenced a six-month Certificate II in Aeroskills with South Australian Registered Training Organisation, Flight One School of Engineering, and will the complete a phase of on-the-job training with BDA, 

Following that will be work supporting P-8A Increment 3 Block 2 software, systems and sensor upgrades on 12 of the RAAF’s fleet P-8A aircraft.

SA education minister Blair Boyer said aeroskills are an important component of the defence industry in the state, though previously had limited vocational pathways.

“For young people to have an opportunity like this, right here in South Australia, is a testament to how we are looking at further growing the industry,” he said.

In addition to the Certificate II Aeroskills qualification, trainees will complete several Certificate IV competencies as a pathway for any workers interested in a future career as an aircraft maintenance engineer.

BDA said it intends to make approximately 50 new hires in the state in the next two years, including the 40 trades roles, to support the P-8A upgrade program.

Picture: supplied

Further reading

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