Qantas Engineer Academy to Create 8,500 Jobs in the Next Decade
Australian airline Qantas has announced that its new Engineer Academy will create 8,500 jobs in the aviation industry over the next ten years. The academy is set to open in 2025, and the first intake of students will be trained in aircraft maintenance, aerospace engineering, and avionics. There are currently about 23,500 people working for the Qantas Group, which includes Qantas, Jetstar, QantasLink, and Qantas Freight. Taking into account growth and natural attrition, it will add more than 30,000 frontline workers over the next ten years, increasing its staff to nearly 32,000.
The academy will provide training and career development opportunities for the next generation of aviation professionals, including apprenticeships and scholarships for disadvantaged students. Qantas hopes to increase diversity in the industry by supporting women, Indigenous Australians, and people from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.
According to Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce, the academy is an important step towards rebuilding the aviation industry post-COVID. He said, "This investment in the future of the industry will help ensure we have the people we need to service and maintain our aircraft, both here in Australia and around the world." When Joyce talks about 8,500 new employment, she's talking about 4,500 posts for cabin crew, 1,600 for pilots, 800 for engineers, and 1,600 for other operational positions. For the next three years, a new aircraft will be delivered (on average) every three weeks, therefore Qantas will undoubtedly need to expand its skill set. We can only hope it includes rehiring people who left during the pandemic, whether they did so voluntarily or not.
The Qantas Engineer Academy is being built in response to a growing demand for skilled workers in the aviation industry. The academy will offer a range of training programs, from short courses to full-time apprenticeships, to ensure that graduates have the skills and experience required to work in the industry. The academy is also expected to have a positive impact on the Australian economy, with new jobs being created in regional areas where the academy will be based. Qantas is investing $100 million in the academy, with support from the Australian government and the New South Wales government.
In conclusion, the Qantas Engineer Academy is a promising development for the aviation industry, offering opportunities for aspiring aviation professionals and contributing to the economy. With the support of Qantas and the government, the academy is poised to make a significant impact on the industry over the next decade.