CASA Media Release - Thursday, 26 February 2004
Engineer apprentices win grants
Eight aircraft engineering apprentices have won cash grants from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority to help them complete their studies.
CASA has awarded six special two year scholarships and two encouragement awards to outstanding engineering apprentices.
The two year scholarships provide a cash grant of $1000 a year, while the encouragement awards are a one-off $1000 payment to cover study costs in this year.
The cash grants will help meet essential expenses such as professional quality tools, text books or travel and accommodation costs for courses.
CASA is providing the grants to encourage young people to take up aircraft engineering as profession, particularly in regional areas. Six of the successful apprentices grew up in regional Australia, with two continuing to work in regional aviation centres.
CASA's chief operating officer, Bruce Gemmell, says each of the apprentices showed strong commitment to the aircraft engineering profession.
"I congratulate all the apprentices for the hard work they are putting into their studies and their jobs and wish them well in the future," Mr Gemmell says.
"The aviation industry needs more young people to take up engineering and these grants are a small way of helping to encourage the next generation of engineers.
"Safe air travel relies on well trained and professional engineers and I'm certain this group of apprentices will be leaders of the future."
Two year scholarships have been awarded to:
- Daniel Guilfoyle - Elite Helicopters at Essendon;
- Jordan Beecroft - Brindabella Airlines at Canberra;
- Ian Watson - Aero-Support at Bankstown;
- Kristie McKinnon - Qantas at Sydney;
- Jamie Dull - Approved Aircraft Maintenance at Toowoomba;
- Rowan Strutt - Helicopter Resources at Hobart.
Encouragement awards went to:
- Barrie McKinney - Eastern Australia Airlines at Tamworth;
- Matthew Evans - Premiair at Jandakot.
Media contact
Peter Gibson
mobile 0419 296 446
Ref: MR0405