Boeing welcomes sixteen trainees to P-8A program

• Largest single intake of trainees for Boeing Defence Australia
• Government and industry partnerships drive workforce growth

ADELAIDE, South Australia, August 6, 2024 – Boeing Defence Australia (BDA) has welcomed 16 trainee Aerospace Workers to its P-8A Poseidon Through Life Support program in the first stage of a two-year recruitment drive.

The trainees have commenced their six-month Certificate II in Aeroskills with South Australian Registered Training Organisation, Flight One School of Engineering.

They will then complete a phase of on-the-job training with BDA, prior to supporting P-8A Increment 3 Block 2 software, systems and sensor upgrades on 12 of the RAAF’s fleet P-8A aircraft.

“This trainee program is part of new approach to building a sustainable Australian aircraft maintenance workforce for the future,” said Ben Knabe, director of BDA’s Product Support, Training & Maintenance capability.

“We need more than 40 new trades employees over the next two years for the P-8A upgrade program, making it one of the largest military aircraft recruitment efforts in South Australia for decades.

“That’s driven innovative thinking and deep partnerships between the Federal and South Australian governments, defence primes and Flight One on ways of generating a new trades workforce from outside of defence. This first tranche of trainees is a testament to its success.”

South Australia’s Minister for Education, Training and Skills, Blair Boyer MP said “The aeroskills sector is an important component of the defence industry in South Australia, but has previously had limited vocational pathways – that’s why I’m so pleased that the pilot P-8A Poseidon Through Life Support program has welcomed 16 trainee Aerospace Workers.

“These programs are critical to ensuring we have the skills knowledge here in SA. For young people to have an opportunity like this, right here in South Australia, is a testament to how we are looking at further growing the industry.”

In addition to the Certificate II Aeroskills qualification, trainees will complete several Certificate IV competencies as a pathway for any trainees wishing to pursue an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer career in the future.

BDA will create approximately 50 new South Australian jobs, including the 40 trades roles, over the next two years to support the P-8A upgrade program.

About Boeing
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