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Hunter Valley students will get up close and personal with the Hawk Lead-In Fighter aircraft this week while learning about the future opportunities in defence at a two-day careers event at Newcastle.
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The event for local students will not only look at the Hawk Lead-In Fighter aircraft, the technology used to prepare the RAAF’s fast jet aircrew for operational conversion to the F/A-18 Hornet, F/A-18 Super Hornet and, ultimately, the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, but will also include a tour of BAE Systems Australia’s Williamtown facility.
BAE Systems sustains 33 Hawk Lead-In Fighter aircraft and the company will play a key role in the sustainment of Australia’s F-35 fleet from 2018. The first of Australia's F-35 aircraft are expected to arrive in Australia at the end of this year.
In an expanded, specialist and highly secure facility, the company will employ well over 200 additional highly skilled people to support the work that it will do to maintain F-35 aircraft over several decades.
BAE Systems Australia aerospace director Steve Drury said the latest event targeting local students is crucial for attracting talent, which BAE Systems hopes will see locals consider a long-term career in aerospace in the Hunter region.
"We’re pleased to support events such as RDA Hunter’s ME Program Aerospace Careers Day to help students see all the opportunities that a career in defence can provide," Drury said.
"Our company is working hard to secure new defence opportunities in Australia to provide the best possible capabilities for the men and women of the Australian Defence Force."
Key roles to open up as the F-35 work ramps up will focus on aircraft maintenance, planning, supply support, engineering and specialist training staff. BAE Systems is currently seeking applications for the 65 graduate positions it’s offering for 2019.
