Townsville State High School students will gain firsthand experience in airport operations during a work placement at Townsville Airport this term, as part of the Queensland-wide Aerospace Gateway Schools program.

Seven year 12 students will gain experience in the areas of electrical, mechanics, commercial, marketing, aviation and safety.

Commencing today (26 April) the program will run for the duration of term two and aims to support the growth of an effective workforce for the aviation industry by providing the opportunity for young people to undertake structured workplace learning.

Townsville Airport Chief Operating Officer Kevin Gill said the program delivered real-world experience to students interested in joining the dynamic aviation industry.

“Aviation and airport operations is an area that students absolutely need to experience firsthand, and we’re very pleased to be able to give them an opportunity to do so,” Mr Gill said.

“Townsville State High School was the only Townsville school to be selected to be a part of the Aerospace Gateway Schools Program and has a strong focus on aeronautics.

“Students will be placed with various units in the business to get a look at the broad spectrum of roles that go into running an airport every day.”

Townsville State High School Aerospace Teacher Tim Duroux said the program afforded students an authentic learning experience.

“The value for students is being able to be on the frontline – they’ve learnt in the classroom but now they’ll get to put that knowledge into action,” he said.

“These students are very enthusiastic and they love the aviation industry. Perhaps they’ll be able to offer a new perspective and throw out some fresh ideas.”

Townsville Airport is owned by Queensland Airports Limited which also owns and operates Gold Coast, Townsville and Longreach Airports.

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