Aircraft Maintenance Engineering degree partnership takes flight

As work begins on Rockhampton’s new Alliance hangar, ground breaks on an Australia-first aircraft maintenance degree.

Photo Patrick Woods / Sunshine Coast Daily.

A new partnership between an aerospace training provider and CQUniversity is poised to deliver industry-ready graduates in the area of aircraft maintenance.

The announcement comes as Alliance Airlines - which will relocate maintenance work from Europe and Singapore to Rockhampton - prepares to begin construction of its $70 million new hangar.

Once the site is operational, Alliance expects to employ 125 staff at the hangar and a further 100 jobs are predicted to be generated indirectly throughout the region.

Rockhampton is expected to become a breeding ground for aircraft engineers, with the airline revealing apprentices will form a massive part of the project.

Up to eight apprentices are expected to be employed by Alliance each year at the Rockhampton facility for a four-year apprenticeship.

While not related, in almost perfect timing for aspiring Alliance apprentices, CQUniversity has announced a new partnership with Aviation Australia to deliver Australia’s first Aircraft Maintenance Engineering degree.

After successfully completing their first 18 months with Aviation Australia and gaining a Diploma in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering, students will be able to articulate into the Bachelor degree with CQUniversity.

The course is designed to be flexible, allowing the student to continue study on campus (AA and CQUniversity campuses), or online while gaining valuable experience by working in the industry.

During their final year of study, students will gain a deeper understanding of aviation and aerospace technology, control systems, advanced maintenance materials, maintenance, asset management, and fast developing technologies like unmanned aerial vehicles or drones.

Successful students will also obtain a CASA certified Remote Pilot Licence and an Aeronautical Radio Operator Certificate, as well as participating in an aviation industry-relevant project.

Aviation Australia CEO Bill Horrocks said the global leader in aviation and aerospace training sought out and partnered with CQUniversity to jointly develop a unique course that addressed the industry requirements over the coming decades.

“As an experienced aviation education provider, CQUniversity aligns with Aviation Australia’s ethos to ensure graduates are better prepared for evolving industry needs,” he said.

“The field of aviation and aerospace is rapidly growing, and education and training providers are still only scratching the surface of the future potential applications for aviation technologies.

“CQUniversity students have access to excellent educational resources, such as simulated in live maintenance environments, providing them with practical skills and theoretical knowledge that are globally applicable and highly sought after.”

CQUniversity’s vice-chancellor, Professor Nick Klomp CQUniversity was thrilled to be partnering with Aviation Australia to deliver the program.

“We all know aviation graduates need a strong combination of theoretical knowledge, technical skills and hands-on experience to forge a successful career in the rapidly evolving aviation industry,” Professor Klomp said.