Wagga Wagga based Regional Express (Rex) has advertised for Aircraft Maintenance Engineer Apprentices for its aircraft engineering facility at Wagga Wagga Airport.
“Rex’s ongoing expansion of services across our network and the upgrade of our Saab fleet over the next three years have confirmed the need for additional capability at our heavy engineering base in Wagga Wagga,” Geoff Breust Rex’s Managing Director said.
“As the fleet of aircraft continues to grow our need for specialist engineers will also grow. Our decision to increase our apprentice training program to ten places commencing in 2007 recognises the enormous value apprenticeship training provides for our long term requirements in trained engineers.
“Rex will have 31 Saab 340 aircraft in the fleet by the end of December. On top of that we will bring into service 25 of the latest version of the Saab 340 aircraft over the next three years. While we will dispose of some of our older Saabs, overall we expect the fleet to grow as opportunities for additional services come about. Our aircraft engineering capability will grow to cover that additional activity.
Rex General Manager Engineering Services, Lindsay Tanner said the increased apprentice intake and training scheme was a major opportunity for aspiring aircraft engineers from Wagga Wagga and the region.
“The four year apprenticeship involves on the job training in our facilities at Wagga Wagga Airport as well as “block release” training at TAFE – particularly Padstow TAFE in Sydney.
“Rex has special arrangements for the apprentices to travel to undertake their TAFE classroom training as well as special programs for tool purchase.
“On successful completion of their apprenticeship, Rex engineers are encouraged to complete courses and examinations for the issue of Civil Aviation Safety Authority Licences. As a Licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineer, an apprentice can set off to achieve the pinnacle of practical aircraft engineering service. Rex conducts special Saab and General Electric engine training in-house for licensed engineers.”
Mr Tanner said that apprenticeships in three categories were on offer:
Aircraft Maintenance Engineering – Mechanical
Aircraft Maintenance Engineering – Avionics
Aircraft Maintenance Engineering - Engine
While separate fields, all offer great potential for a life long career in aircraft engineering.
Mayor Kerry Pascoe said Wagga Wagga continues to be extremely fortunate to have a company like Rex based in the City.
“I am encouraged about the continued growth of the airline and the economic benefits it brings to our community. With the recent announcement of the new apprenticeship positions it continues to strengthen our relationship with Rex and affords new opportunities for careers, making Wagga Wagga an attractive place to live and work," Mr Pascoe said.
Rex currently has a total of 135 staff in Wagga Wagga including 74 in aircraft engineering and maintenance, 19 flight crew, 10 airport staff and 32 in finance and scheduling and pricing.
Advertisements for the ten positions were run in last Saturday’s Daily Advertiser and have been posted on Rex’s website at www.rex.com.au. Applications close on 17 November 2006.
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