400 students from 16 Hunter high schools enjoyed access to RAAF Base Williamtown and BAE Systems’ aircraft sustainment facilities during the ME Program’s 2019 Aerospace Careers Days held at Williamtown on Thursday and Friday this week.
Staged by RDA Hunter in partnership with BAE Systems Australia, Boeing Defence Australia, RAAF Williamtown and Defence Force Recruiting, the initiative saw students participate in a schedule of activities that helped them connect directly with the Hunter’s defence prime contractors to better understand career opportunities in the region’s defence industry.
“The Aerospace Careers Days are designed to help students understand that high-value, long-term job opportunities are available for them in the Hunter. We remind students they don’t need to leave the Hunter to ‘get a good job’. We showcase the range of roles that the region’s defence industry offers and we provide students with practical information about study and pathways options,” said RDA Hunter’s STEM Workforce Manager, Rick Evans.
Defence contractors work collaboratively through this initiative to expose students to a range of jobs, people and knowledge that can help shape their view of the future and ignite interest in defence industry careers.
“The Aerospace Careers Days initiative is a valuable project for BAE Systems Australia to be involved in. We are increasing our workforce in Williamtown and we are looking for motivated people now and for the foreseeable future. Projects like this provide us with an opportunity to meet our potential future workforce and ignite their interest in a role in defence industry. We hope to leave them with a picture of our industry as exciting, fulfilling and a long-term career option,” said BAE Systems Australia Director of Aircraft Sustainment and Training, Mr Andrew Chapman.
Participating schools included: Merewether High School, Newcastle Grammar School, Warners Bay High School, Callaghan College (Waratah, Wallsend & Jesmond campuses), St Philips Christian College – Newcastle, St Joseph’s College – Lochinvar, St Philips Christian College – Port Stephens, Hunter School of Performing Arts, Hunter River High School, San Clemente High School, Belmont High School, Irrawang High School, Newcastle Waldorf School, Rutherford Technology High School, Muswellbrook High School, Cardiff High School, 2019 STEMstart Student