HP is paying in the order of AU$75,000 as base pay for dual airframe engine licence.
Helicopter engineers are being paid 80,000 to 100,000 on shore and up to 140,000 offshore on tour basis.
I have recently worked for Hawkers and didn't get anywhere near that. Also I have seen a heavy duty plant mech 3rd apprentice on 75k a year. In the west it pays to be in mining swinging a spanner.
If I was a mining recruiter I would be down at my local airport poaching guys . Saying to them here is a job with more pay , better roster , better conditions, we feed you on site, we house you on site, little stress and no threat of litigation hanging over you.
Who are the fools here ?