Mechanical/structures apprenticeship positions in Brisbane/SEQ

[Down & Locked]

Hi all,

I've just about completed my pre-apprenticeship training through Aviation Australia (www.aviationaustralia.net.au) in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering - Mechanical. I've also done a couple of extra structures subjects (geometric construction, structural R&I and composites) to extend my studies.

I live in Brisbane, Australia, and I'll be actively hunting for an apprenticeship start in the next 2 months. I have recently applied to QANTAS, QANTAS Defence Services, and Rex (Regional Express) without success.

My results in my course were very good (averaging about 90-91%) and my hand skills are improving rapidly. I would ideally like to stay in the Brisbane area, but will relocate if really required. Initially, I'll be concentrating my job-hunting efforts around Brisbane International, Archerfield, Caloundra, Redcliffe and Gold Coast airports.

My question is ? does anyone know of any aerospace companies, airlines or GA operators/maintenance providers looking for apprentices for mechanical stream jobs?

I'm able to start ASAP, and intend to continue studying towards my CASA core exams so I can gain my licence. At 37, I know I'm a lot older than your average apprentice, but I also have 15 years of life experience on most of my classmates, and reckon that probably translates into common sense! Also, any reports or experiences you've had with employers or individual airlines would be appreciated.

My college has a group training arm, but I'd rather be pro-active and get out there and find work for myself.

Thanks for your feedback and ideas in advance,

Adam

[QF MAINT OUTSOURCED]

the best piece of advise is don't bother,the industry is screwed in australia,no competetion,if you want a carrer in the industry,leave australia and head to asia or europe, i spent 18 yrs in the game,worked on miliatry aircraft,light and finally wide body at Qantas with a 744 license only to have been made redundent last yr with 400 of my work mates in Sydney,the industry is a waste of time,and i loved working on aircraft,go and start an appenticeship in carpentry

[Bolty McBolt]

I agree with outsourced.
Find another vocation that isn't so specialised. As the airlines executives are not into lining pockets with cash, other than their own of course.

I would head towards plumbing, Now there is a well paid job and a serious shortage.
At least when you get a ****ty job you are being well paid for it

[Torres]

Your age is a problem, as I'm sure you are aware, however employment opportunities for mature age apprentices are rapidly improving. Employers still have a problem with $268 per week for a 17 year old apprentice, versus $480 per week for a mature age apprentice. This year the Queensland Government increased funding and subsidies for mature age apprentices, which may work in your favour.

I suggest you first talk to the manager of their Group Training division. Between he and the general manager of the RTO, they have broad industry knowledge and contacts and should be able to assist you obtain employment.

I think you are shooting too high - I'd forget the airlines for now. I'd do the rounds of the GA and regional hangars as I suspect you will have a far better chance of gaining employment and you will learn the industry and gain your LAME license in a far broader and more diversified environment.

And if all that fails, send me a PM, however I can not assist you with apprenticeship employment in the Brisbane area but may be able to assist elsewhere in Queensland.

[john_tullamarine]

Likewise, I can point you to a Victorian country location which might be of interest as a mate who works there tells me that they are looking at apprentices in the near future.

.. if nothing else, when they do put on some apprentices the training will be second to none and very marketable at the end of it ...

[Down & Locked]

Thanks to Torres & John Tullamarine for their replies. I'm grateful for your advice, and will take it on-board. Will be starting the job-hunt on Thursday @ BNE International and will do the rounds at Archerfield early next week. I'll keep checking back for any updates and will be in contact (Torres) if my options become exhausted.
I fully understand that the MRO sector of aviation is global, and unfortunately the trend in this area definitely seems to be against Australian maintenance ops and in favour of lower labour cost, off shore locations in Asia, particularly Hong Kong, China and Singapore....

There appears to be a bit of a shortage of real world opinion at the training level, as we've always been advised that the prospects for AME apprenticeships are looking strong within Australia! If QF Maintenance Outsourced is correct, (and I don't doubt he is) then I'd rather avoid QANTAS altogether, and try to go into the regional sector of the industry.

Thanks

[aircabbie]

Mate try Cable beach air Maint in broome , i did some contract work through them last year . Seem Like an ok Mob . Not sure whats going on there now and its along way from the sunshine coast but worth giving them a call.
cheers

[SideSaddle]

I know you said you are looking around SEQ, but you may want to consider regional Qld for GA. There are many small shops looking for help. Mt Isa comes to mind as an area is looking for apprentices and cant get anyone to consider moving. Age is not to big a problem, there will always be exceptions though. Many GA companies are looking for mature and "stable" individuals.

Also have you spoken to your RTOs Employment Services Manager?

There are opportunities out there. You need to look "outside the box" and be willing to compromise. GA is not known for its high pay rates either.

How much do you love aviation? Because as other responders have stated, you can make far better money in other trades.

Good Luck.

[Ultralights]

BAE Systems are looking for ALL trades, structures, mechanical and Avionics, based in Newcastle, Nowra and Townsville.. apprentices included.

[Torres]

SideSaddle. I was trying to point Down & Locked back to L. B. at the SRTO. I would think the GTO route would provide greater employment security and broader aviation exposure. A number of the "big" players in aircraft maintenance are now using GTOs in preferance to direct employment.

[The Original Jetpipe]

Very surprised at REX!!

I am surprised REX did not take a look at you???
Their line stations require only LAMES, however the Wagga base needs AMEs.

When did you contact REX? The Gen M was shown the door recently and I new management team has taken over. Might be worth another go?

PM me if you get no luck, might be able to help!

The TOJP.

P.S Do not be put off by the people @:&^^%^ the industery!!! Certain companies where protected for to long!!! NOTE.... How else are you going to get from this rock to the rest of the world........ BY BOAT!!!

[Avgas172]

What happened in the long run?, was browsing some related subjects and came up with this post. Where are you now, did you survive or take a job as a plumber?
Cheers
A172

[pull-up-terrain]

If he was at Qantas, i dare say he would be on the chopping block if he had not already been made redundant.

[Avgas172]

Different strokes for different folks I suppose, I started my AME training to tinker with light aeroplanes. Never had the slightest interest in what was happening in the Airlines. Maybe I should write a column/thread on hangar topics, the SIDS program on Cessna aircraft would be a good starting point.