AITC: Aviation Industry Training Centre

Ready for take off

11 February 2009

After 10 months of study, 17 modules and 1200 hours of exploration into the aircraft maintenance industry, Kangan Batman TAFE students Frank Nalej and Kristian Mix are taking the next step with Australia's most recognised airline.

When they completed the Aviation Industry Training Centre's (AITC) Aircraft Maintenance Prevocational training course at the end of last year, Frank and Kristian were offered apprenticeships with Qantas.

Designed to provide students with a sound overview of the aviation maintenance industry with multiple pathways into three technical areas - avionics, mechanical and structures - the AITC course is a great introduction to a rewarding career.

As a mature-age student returning to study, Frank was sure a career in aviation was out of reach, having spent most of his working life as a motor mechanic.

"This course has given me a completely new start in a career that I dreamed of doing when I was young," he says.

"I have always been interested in airplanes and airplane mechanics. When I was 10 years old I built a small aircraft called a sailplane and later in life I built my first pulse jet engine. I also spent a lot of time in Poland during compulsory military service watching the take-off and landing of military aircraft MIG 17s."

Making the jump from one career to another at a later stage in life was initially daunting, but Frank says his decision was the right one.

"The course was a lot more than I expected, and meant that I was able to gain employment in the aviation field straight after completion," he says.

"The teachers are aviation engineers with a great knowledge of the industry in Australia and around the world. They were always very organised, professional and available outside of allocated class hours which helped me achieve no less than 85 percent pass rates in all my classes.

"My family, friends and, of course, myself, are very proud of what I have achieved and what I was allowed to achieve."

At the other end of the career spectrum, Kristian had recently completed year 12 at Gisborne Secondary College and wasn't entirely sure if a career in aviation was the right way to go.

"I hadn't initially been interested in a career in aviation, but I had always been fascinated in how aircraft operated and the principles behind flight," Kristian says.

"I found out about the prevocational course through a careers counselling session at school, and I loved the idea, so I jumped on board.

"What appealed to me about the course was that if I were to be successful in getting a job in aviation, I wouldn't be going into the industry 'blindly'. At least I would have some knowledge about the industry and a fair idea of what it would be like. Also a huge bonus was that the course is recognised by the industry and takes nine months of our first-year apprenticeship."

As Kristian starts his apprenticeship this year, he has no doubts that completing the prevocational course helped him to achieve his new role at Qantas. He rates the course highly and says that anyone looking to break into the industry would find it worthwhile.

"I would recommend this course to anyone seeking a career in aviation. It has given me valuable information and puts you ahead of the pack when searching for employment," he says.

Kangan Batman TAFE's Aircraft Maintenance Pre-Vocational Course takes 10 months to complete and can lead to a range of employment options in the aerospace industry.

For more information, to register your interest or obtain an application form, call Katherine Tassone on 9279 2670.