Qantas Launches Engineering Academy in Brisbane
Qantas Opens New Engineering Academy in Brisbane to Train Future Aircraft Engineers
On January 20, 2025, Qantas officially launched its Engineering Academy in Brisbane, marking a significant step forward in training the next generation of aircraft engineers. The academy welcomed its first cohort of 30 students, setting the stage for an ambitious program aimed at addressing the growing demand for skilled professionals in the aviation industry.
The Qantas Engineering Academy has been developed in partnership with Aviation Australia, with the goal of increasing the annual intake of engineering apprentices to 150 students. This initiative is crucial as the aviation sector continues to expand, highlighting the importance of equipping young engineers with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
Comprehensive Training Program for Aspiring Engineers
The academy’s curriculum combines classroom instruction with hands-on experience. Apprentices will engage in simulated practical tasks that replicate real-world hangar environments. Alongside this, they will receive on-the-job training under the mentorship of seasoned Qantas engineers, ensuring a well-rounded educational experience.
Key highlights of the training program include:
- Simulated Practical Tasks: Apprentices will work in environments that mirror actual hangar operations.
- On-the-Job Training: Guidance from experienced engineers will enhance learning outcomes.
- Diversity Goals: This year, female apprentices are expected to constitute 25% of the cohort, an increase from 18% in 2023.
With over 250 engineering apprentices training across Australia this year, Qantas is ramping up its commitment to developing a skilled workforce—a 45% increase compared to the previous year.
A Historic Addition: QantasLink Donates Boeing 717
To enrich the training experience, QantasLink has donated its last Boeing 717 aircraft (registration VH-YQW) to the academy. This aircraft, having served the Qantas Group for over two decades, will serve as a valuable learning tool for students.
Markus Svensson, Qantas Domestic CEO, expressed enthusiasm for the academy’s potential: “The Engineering Academy will equip the next generation of engineers with the skills necessary to support and grow our industry, meeting the increasing demand for a highly skilled aviation workforce.”
Future Growth and Opportunities in Australian Aviation
Looking ahead, the Qantas Group plans to create around 8,500 new operational positions across Australia over the next decade. This expansion will be supported by significant investments in new training facilities, reinforcing the company’s commitment to nurturing talent within the aviation sector.
Additionally, the Engineering Academy complements existing training facilities, including the Group’s Pilot Academy in Toowoomba and a heavy maintenance and pilot training center at Brisbane Airport (BNE).
Conclusion: A Bright Future for Aviation Engineering
The launch of the Qantas Engineering Academy is a pivotal moment for the aviation industry in Australia. As the academy prepares to train a new generation of engineers, it also sets a precedent for enhancing diversity and technical training in the field.
We invite you to share your thoughts on the impact of Qantas’s new initiative in the comments below. For more information on aviation training programs, check out our articles on Aviation Career Opportunities and Women in Aviation.
Read more about Qantas’s commitment to engineering excellence and workforce development in our related articles!
