Future in safe hands - 15 technical trainees graduate

Airservices latest group of 15 technical trainees have graduated from the TAFE NSW Riverina Institute with a Diploma of Engineering at a ceremony in Wagga Wagga yesterday.

The two-year course will see seven trainees graduate with a Diploma of Engineering—Electrical while the other eight students will graduate with a Diploma of Engineering—­­Electronics and Communications.

Airservices Executive General Manager Projects and Engineering, Mark Rodwell said the graduates will be working with state-of-the-art equipment and systems.

“They will play a crucial role in helping to maintain safety-critical aviation equipment including instrument landing systems, radars and other air navigation aids.

“The new graduates will add value to the industry as they take up permanent positions across the country and become a core component of our ability to provide safe and efficient delivery of air traffic management,” Mr Rodwell said.

The Alastair Hodgson Award is presented each year to recognise technical excellence aligned with organisational values. This year’s recipient was Matthew Randall, who will be taking a role at Technical Services Melbourne and is completing the electrical stream of the diploma.

Airservices General Manager Learning Academy, Linda Spurr said the partnership between Airservices and the TAFE NSW Riverina Institute ensures that the future of Australia’s air navigation system is in good hands.

“The skills and abilities they have acquired over the past two years have equipped them with the knowledge they will require to continue their operational career with Airservices Australia,” Ms Spurr said.

“Over the last six years we have educated 69 trainees from the program, reinforcing our commitment to training and education.”

The trainees include three women and 12 men who will now take up roles in Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Darwin, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney.