AITC: Aviation Industry Training Centre

Minister Allan launches AITC's Skilling for Aviation

25 November 2008

Minister for Skills and Workforce Participation Jacinta Allan officially launched the Kangan Batman TAFE Aviation Industry Training Centre's (AITC) Skilling for Aviation project on November 24, 2008, announcing the purchase of a Boeing 737 as a dedicated training tool.

Funded by Skills Victoria, the purchase of the aircraft will enhance the AITC's capacity to deliver complete aviation training packages, strengthening the local aviation industry and confirming the Victorian government's commitment to position training as a key driver of future economic growth.

Minister Allan said the Boeing 737 will allow student apprentices to complete all their practical training at the Broadmeadows campus.

"The ability to provide full training and licensing for aircraft maintenance engineers here in Victoria will make the local workforce more attractive to employers, in the domestic and international aviation industry," she said.

"I congratulate everyone at Kangan Batman on their hard work to get this project off the ground. These achievements will enhance Victoria and Australia's ability to remain nimble players in the increasingly tough business that is international aviation."

Kangan Batman TAFE CEO Ray Griffiths said the Boeing 737 purchase and Skilling for Aviation are major steps forward, reflecting the institute's desire to develop leading training programs and compete on a nation-wide stage.

"Skilling for Aviation is an innovative project which will enhance Kangan Batman TAFE's capacity to provide best practice aviation training in Victoria," Mr Griffiths said.

Incorporating the purchase of a Boeing 737, a partnership with Lufthansa Technical Training and the granting of CASA approval under the new maintenance engineering training standards, the Skilling for Aviation project will allow the AITC to offer complete aviation training programs from one location.

Mr Griffiths said industry consultation has played a large role in the development of the project.

"We decided to purchase the Boeing 737 model based on the results of an industry survey we conducted in early 2008. A range of industry representatives and influential aviation companies were consulted throughout this process to determine which aircraft type would best meet the training needs of the aviation industry in Australia," he said.

"The Boeing brand is also an important attraction aspect for the international training market. We'll continue to forge industry connections over the coming months, as the Skilling for Aviation project gets off the ground."

The AITC's training manager Mike Heffey said purchasing an aircraft relevant to the industry was an important part of the process.

"As there is in excess of 115 Boeing 737 Types registered in Australia there are so many advantages for our students undertaking practical training," he said.

"This, and the recent granting of the AITC's CASA CAO100.66 'Registered Organisation' status ensure the training we deliver using the 737 will also conform to our current and future regulatory approvals.

"In the short-term, the Boeing 737 will be housed at BAE Systems' hangar at Melbourne Airport where it will be configured for our practical training purposes including a comprehensive risk assessment to ensure it is safe for training.

"We've also entered into a partnership with Lufthansa Technical Training under the Skilling for Aviation project, strengthening our commercial ties and creating that essential link between training and industry. This partnership will enable Kangan Batman TAFE to offer industry a one-stop-shop approach."