FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Graduates from Inaugural AIR Program Step into Aviation Industry
Sunshine Coast, QLD — [May, 2025]
Sigma Aerospace College has proudly celebrated the graduation of the first cohort of students from its pioneering AIR Program (Aeroskills Industry Readiness), a fast-tracked, hands-on course designed to address Australia’s critical aircraft engineer shortage.
Supported by Manufacturing Skills Queensland and delivered in partnership with McDermott Aviation, the program launched in April with the goal of preparing motivated individuals for careers in aircraft maintenance, with a particular focus on Trade Assistant, Apprentice, and Flightline Maintenance pathways.
Every student from the inaugural course has now been placed into an apprenticeship or direct industry employment—an achievement that reflects both the quality of the program design and the demand for skilled aviation talent.
Sigma also recognised outstanding student achievement:
- Marc Fisher was awarded a complete Line Maintenance toolkit by Henchman Tools,
- Darcy McElwaine received a full set of CASA Part 66 licensing textbooks, acknowledging his academic excellence.
Nick Booth, Training Manager at Sigma Aerospace College, remarked:
“This is exactly what we set out to achieve—real pathways into real jobs for capable Australians, delivered with the full support of industry. We’ve proven that with the right structure, training can be fast, fair, and effective.”
Designed for delivery across both fixed-wing and rotary aviation environments, the AIR Program blends immersive hands-on training, simulated maintenance environments, and rigorous industry screening—all mapped to CASA standards and aviation safety expectations.
Following the program’s resounding success, Sigma Aerospace College has announced the next AIR intake will likely commence in August 2025, with applications now open.
For more information, visit https://sigma.edu.au/rpl/air/
Media Contact:
Nick Booth, Training Manager
Sigma Aerospace College
+61 407 628 916
nick.booth@sigma.edu.au
