To promote interest in careers in Australia’s aviation, aerospace, maritime and defence industries, the not-for-profit group headed by Aerospace Maritime and Defence Foundation of Australia Limited conducts a national series of major Careers and Skills Forums around Australia.

The aim of these Careers and Skills Forums is to inform educators and careers professionals of the opportunities that exist in the aviation, aerospace, maritime and defence sectors and to provide useful information concerning the training and educational pathways that are involved.

Structured as continuing Professional Development Days for teachers and careers professionals, the Forums incorporate briefings and presentations and, where practicable, include industry visits and/or attendance at industry exhibitions. Accredited teacher and careers professionals hear from industry executives and young people who have embarked upon careers in the aviation, aerospace, maritime and defence sectors.

This national program is co-coordinated on a not-for–profit basis by Aerospace Maritime and Defence Foundation of Australia Limited with support from its non-profit affiliates (Aerospace Australia Limited, Maritime Australia Limited and Aviation Development Australia Limited).

Following a highly successful inaugural event at Avalon in 2007, Careers and Skills Forums have now been conducted in Victoria, New South Wales, South Australia and Queensland.

A specific Careers and Skills program focusing on the aviation, aerospace and defence sectors is planned for Avalon 2009.

It will include:

(i) A Continuing Professional Development Forum (for secondary teachers and career professionals)

(ii) An Aerospace Student Professional “trade visitor” accreditation program (for tertiary students undertaking careers relevant to the aviation, aerospace and defence sectors)

(iii) A Youth Program for selected senior secondary students

Participants will:

• Learn about the careers opportunities available to young people in Australia’s aviation, aerospace, and defence sectors
• Find out where the jobs really are
• Be informed as to the skills and training pathways required
• Meet key industry employers
• Hear from young people currently working in the sectors
• See the latest technologies from the world’s leading companies

More information on the Careers and Skills program at Avalon 2009 will be published shortly.

For further information regarding any of the Careers and Skills Forums around Australia please contact:

Heather Ring
Manager Career and Skills Services
PO Box 4095 Geelong Victoria 3220
Telephone: 03 5282 0500
Email: hring@amda.com.au