Aviation Training Opportunities Flying High in Tamworth

Friday, 23 December 2011 10:16

Media Releases - Kevin Anderson Media Release

21 December 2011

Aviation Training Opportunities Flying High in Tamworth

The Tamworth Aviation Education Industry has received a major boost with the appointment of a new Business Development Manager to raise awareness of the training opportunities on offer at a global level and drive awareness for locals to get further involved.

Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson has welcomed the appointment of Darren Keegan, who has taken on the new role of promoting the Australasian Pacific Aeronautical College (APAC).   

Mr Anderson joined with the APAC Board Chair, Charles McCarthy, and Tamworth Regional Airport Manager, Michael Dubois, in congratulating Mr Keegan.

Mr Anderson said "Tamworth is already one of the leading regional airports in Australia. It also has enormous potential. APAC and the New England Institute of TAFE are already recognised as one of Australia’s leading aviation education providers."

"I think you can see their capacity by the continued involvement in APAC by BAE Systems, QantasLink, Tamworth Regional Council and local community representatives. To now have someone like Darren, with extensive industry and government experience, a good platform for the next stage of growth for APAC has been set in place. "

Mr Anderson also pointed out the importance of APAC to aviation in regional NSW. “Whilst APAC’s customers include some of Australia’s largest civil and defence companies, many students come from and are trained for regionally based aviation companies. APAC is extremely important to keep our regional aviation services running”

Business Development Manager Darren Keegan said his appointment has come about through a decision between APAC and the New England Institute of TAFE to adopt a more aggressive business development strategy in Aviation education. "I am looking forward to raising the profile of what we do here, not only locally, but at a state, national and international level."

"We are working on plans for a strategic expansion and offering additional aviation training courses in 2012. These plans are supported by world-class facilities at Tamworth, the New England Institute of TAFE, and having some of the best teachers in the industry led by Russell Hodgkins”. 

APAC Chairman, Charles McCrathy, said "Last year 159 students, including 32 from Tamworth, graduated from APAC."

"They now have a good start to their career in aviation with positions in companies like Australian Aerospace, BAE Systems, QantasLink and Jetstar. APAC offers TAFE NSW certificate and diploma courses in aircraft mechanics, avionics, and structures and has trained over 1,400 students since 2001."

Tamworth Airport Manager, Michael Dubois, said "We are so much more than just a passenger terminal. We are a major training facility for the aviation industry and people are starting to look at us as a viable alternative from the capital city environment."

"APAC is a one stop package with the technology provided in excellent class rooms and accommodation facilities, all done at the one location."

Mr Anderson said "I encourage anyone looking at a career in aviation to look locally, as we have a variety of courses that can take you global."

"For information on what's available contact Darren at APAC on 676820756 or Russell Hodgkins at TAFE on 67682084."

ENDS