Western Sydney high school students with their eyes on the skies are taking their next steps towards a career in aviation with Western Sydney Airport (WSA) and TAFE NSW Youth Engagement Strategy (YES) Aviation program.
Sixteen students from five schools visited the Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport Experience Centre on Friday to learn about the career potential in aviation, and the future employment opportunities at Western Sydney International.
Kirby Grattan, Chief People Officer said the collaborative partnership between Western Sydney Airport and TAFE NSW presents a hands-on opportunity for local students to better understand their career options.
“This unique program brings students and experts together to talk about how an airport is developed from the ground up, and the different types of careers they could take off with at Sydney’s new airport,” Ms Grattan said.
“We’re building an airport for Sydney’s future, and Western Sydney International will create thousands of jobs in construction and even more when the Airport is operational.
“WSA is committed to continuing to develop pre-employment programs so that our local students may one day be the engineers, ground crews and systems operators working at Western Sydney International.”
TAFE NSW Head Teacher of Supply Chain Graeme Moat said it was important to introduce young people in Western Sydney to the Aviation industry now because these jobs will be in demand at the Western Sydney International soon.
“By collaborating with Western Sydney Airport to deliver the YES Aviation Program, TAFE NSW is giving students an opportunity to integrate real world industry experience with the skills and training for a career in a modern aviation industry.”
Students met with Executives from the WSA Planning and Technology team, including Executive Manager Operational Design Andre Younes.
During the visit, students were taken on a tour of the Western Sydney International construction site, where Major Earthworks has already moved 10 million cubic metres of earth to prepare the site for runways, taxiways, an integrated domestic and international terminal and freight services.
Students also participated in a drone demonstration, just one of the many ways new technologies are used to monitor and manage construction and support a seamless and stress-free experience for passengers and airlines when the airport is operational.
As part of the term-long program, students meet with industry experts and learn basic skills in airport ground operations, airport security, air services and drones. Students receive a Certificate of Participation outlining the skills gained upon completion, which can be used to build a professional portfolio.
Western Sydney International is on track to open for international, domestic and freight in late 2026.
