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Hundreds of Hunter Valley students have toured BAE Systems Australia’s Williamtown facility to learn about maintaining and upgrading jet aircraft for the Royal Australian Air Force.
The event, organised by RDA Hunter, saw students from years 9, 10 and 11 go behind the scenes with the F-35 and Hawk lead-in fighter aircraft sustainment teams to better understand career opportunities in the region's defence industry.
“We’re pleased to open our facilities to help inspire students with the vast possibilities and career opportunities right here on their door step," BAE Systems Australia general manager of aircraft sustainment, Andrew Chapman, said.
“BAE Systems has secured long-term work at Williamtown supporting Australia’s national F-35 fleet. This means that students who have grown up and studied locally can now target a long-term aerospace career in the region.
“By inspiring students to consider a career in the defence industry, we’re building a future workforce that will provide the men and women that serve our country with the best possible capability.”
The students were able to use virtual reality technologies to "see and walk around" an aircraft hangar that will be built in the facility to support the company's sustainment of fast jets.
BAE Systems sustains 33 Hawk lead-in fighter aircraft and will play an integral role in the sustainment of Australia’s F-35 fleet, employing more than 400 highly skilled workers to maintain aircraft over the next 10 years.
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