Qantas Group has announced plans to create more than 8,500 new high-skill jobs in the Australian aviation industry over the next decade. The jobs will be spread across the country and will include pilots, engineers, cabin crew and airport staff. The expansion is driven by investments in new aircraft and increased flying to meet long-term demand through Qantas, Jetstar, QantasLink and Qantas Freight.

The Qantas Group will hire over 30,000 frontline staff over the next ten years, taking the total number of employees to an estimated 32,000 by 2033, compared to the current number of 23,500. The expansion follows the Group’s update of its fleet plan with orders and purchases rights for up to 299 narrowbody and 12 widebody aircraft for delivery over the next decade.

The Group’s growth plans will also create significant opportunities for job seekers in the Australian aviation industry. To support the recruitment drive, Qantas has committed to establishing the Qantas Group Engineering Academy in Australia, with a capacity to train up to 300 engineers a year. The Academy will provide aviation engineers for the Qantas Group as well as the broader aviation industry, including defence contractors and general aviation. A particular focus will be encouraging more women to consider a career as an aircraft engineer.

Over the next decade, the Qantas Group will need around 200 new engineering recruits each year to meet growth and attrition as current engineers retire. Qantas will make a multi-million investment to establish the Engineering Academy, which is expected to open its doors to the first students in 2025. The Academy will offer entry-level classroom training for aviation engineering that takes at least 12 months, with further on-the-job training required to move through various levels of accreditation. A fully licensed aviation engineer typically takes a minimum of five years of practical and classroom training.

In addition to the Engineering Academy, Qantas has launched an online registration form for people interested in positions in the Academy. Qantas will liaise with unions and industry to finalize how the academy will operate, including how it works in with existing apprenticeship programs run by Qantas and Jetstar. Similar to the Qantas Group Pilot Academy that opened in early 2020, Qantas expects to collaborate with registered training providers for the Engineering Academy.

Qantas’ bold plans for jobs, training, and growth in Australian aviation will not only boost the country’s economy but will also provide opportunities for those interested in pursuing a career in aviation. The Engineering Academy will not only create a long-term pipeline of talent for the Qantas Group and the broader aviation industry, but it will also address the current shortage of aviation engineers in the country. If you are interested in being part of this exciting growth plan, visit www.qantas.com/engineeringacademy to register your interest today.

To search for jobs that are currently available click here.

Written by: Kevin Hall

=====================================