AUSTRALIA, January 2026 — Sigma Aerospace College has launched fee-for-service Aeroskills apprenticeship training for operators seeking a supported workplace alternative to recurring block release. The service brings Sigma’s established aircraft engineer training approach to apprentices, with structured learning, accessible trainers and real workplace visits.
The offer responds to a practical gap for Australian maintenance businesses, particularly regional operators: trade training delivered by people in the industry, connected to the work in the hangar, without routinely sending apprentices away from their job and home.
“An operator should be able to train an apprentice well without losing them to repeated travel and block release. We bring the training to the work, stay in touch with the learner and supervisor, and make sure progress is backed by demonstrated competence.”
Mat Wheatley · Managing Director, Sigma Aerospace Group
Trade training that comes to the workplace
Sigma is part of an aircraft engineering group, founded by aircraft engineers and working across maintenance, overhaul, parts and workforce services. That gives the College a practical understanding of rosters, supervision, maintenance data and the pressure to develop people while running an operation.
Each apprentice follows an individual Training Plan developed with the employer and Sigma. Supported learning and assessment build the knowledge and practical competence required by the selected units. The apprentice’s supervisor supports and verifies workplace tasks; Sigma’s assessor makes the competency decision.
- Real visits: planned on-site trainer and assessor visits, with the visit schedule set out in the training agreement.
- Regular support: structured resources, technical discussions and individual progress reviews between visits.
- Useful employer updates: a clear view of completed learning, outstanding evidence and the next tasks to arrange.
- Less routine travel: no mandatory recurring block release. Any specialist training or task exposure unavailable at the workplace is planned separately.
Workplace delivery does not mean leaving an apprentice to teach themselves. Employers still need to provide qualified supervision, suitable work and protected learning time. Sigma brings the structure, assessment and support around those responsibilities.
Choose the trade and the outcome
The service supports appropriate Certificate IV in Aeroskills pathways across mechanical, avionics and structures, with the qualification, stream and units matched to the employer’s work and the apprentice’s intended role. Aircraft maintenance and component maintenance are different streams; the workplace must support the chosen outcome.
Where a learner is also working towards a CASA aircraft engineer licence, Sigma can explain the relevant qualification, knowledge and examination pathway. Trade completion, a VET qualification and licence issue are separate outcomes. Any licensing component is identified in the written training offer.
Fee-for-service means the agreed training price is paid without a state training subsidy. Employers receive a written scope, inclusions and fees before enrolment. Previous training and valid credit are reviewed individually; completion depends on demonstrated competence and the applicable training-contract requirements.
Support beyond the training plan
Taking on an apprentice starts before enrolment. Through Sigma Workforce and HireAIR, operators can discuss candidate sourcing, recruitment and the AIR pre-apprenticeship program for practical preparation and screening. A planned national apprentice candidate database will extend that support; employers can register interest through HireAIR as the service develops.
For participating general aviation operators, the fee-for-service relationship can also include commercial discounts on selected piston engine overhaul services, propeller repair and overhaul and aircraft parts. Ask Sigma to set out the available employer benefits, eligibility and service conditions in the written offer. No blanket discount or saving is promised.
These commercial benefits apply only to separately agreed fee-for-service arrangements. They are not offered as benefits for enrolling in Queensland Government-subsidised training.
Built for regional operators
An apprentice who learns around the aircraft and systems in their workplace can build skills that matter to that operation. Keeping the learner close to their supervisors also helps the training conversation stay connected to the maintenance being done.
Sigma’s aim is straightforward: help operators develop capable tradespeople and give apprentices the support to make steady progress. Employers can start with their location, maintenance scope and apprentice numbers; the College will work through the training and workplace requirements with them.
Employer resources and next steps
Media and employer enquiries
Nick Booth, Training Manager, Sigma Aerospace College
(02) 8526 8826 · nick.booth@sigma.edu.au
Training is delivered by Sigma Aerospace College Pty Ltd — RTO 40713, part of Sigma Aerospace Group. The College is also a CASA Part 147 maintenance training organisation (MTO.0051). A qualification, apprenticeship or traineeship completion and a CASA licence are separate outcomes; licence issue remains subject to CASA’s requirements.
