Media Releases
Tuesday, 17th June 2008
Today I launched the new Aviation Training Package which delivers for the first time Australia-wide standards and qualifications for pilots and other aviation workers.
The development of this Package is particularly timely given that commercial plane and helicopter pilots were recently added to the Government’s official national skills shortage list.
Industry predicts a pilot shortage of up to 1,800 over the next two to three years. Already regional services are being reduced or cancelled due to a lack of pilots.
There are three special features to the Package:
The Aviation Training Package is now the official guide for training pilots and other aviation workers.
Previously to become a pilot, there were a variety of state and territory qualifications, and the experience of Defence personnel was not properly recognised by civilian authorities and civilian experience wasn’t formally recognised by Defence.
The new Package will be an important resource for trainers, registered training organisations, potential trainees and those already in the aviation industry.
The Aviation Training Package has been developed by the Transport and Logistics Skills Council following extensive industry consultation.
The Council has worked closely with the CASA and Defence to ensure skilled pilots can move more freely between the civilian and defence workforces – ultimately helping to overcome pilot shortages in the aviation industry.
The Aviation Training Package brings together two key priorities of the Rudd Labor Government – building a world class aviation industry and delivering an ‘education revolution’.
Our first Budget provided $1.9 billion over five years to fund up to 630,000 training places through the Productivity Places Program.
This extra funding will help the Transport and Logistics Skills Council to support skills development in Australia’s transport sectors, including the aviation industry.
Addressing skill shortages is also one of the issues being considered in the development of the Government’s Aviation White Paper.
The Aviation White Paper – which will be finalised by mid-2009 – will guide industry growth over the next decade and beyond. It will for the first time bring together all aspects of national aviation policy into a single statement.
Electorate Office
334a Marrickville Rd
Marrickville NSW 2204
Phone: 02 9564 3588
Parliament House Office
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Canberra ACT 2600
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Electorate Office
334a Marrickville Rd
Marrickville NSW 2204
Phone: 02 9564 3588
Parliament House Office
Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600
Phone: 02 6277 7700
Phone: (02) 9564 3588
Fax: (02) 9564 1734
Email: A.Albanese.MP@aph.gov.au
We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which our offices stand and we pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging. We acknowledge the sorrow of the Stolen Generations and the impacts of colonisation on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We also recognise the resilience, strength and pride of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Authorised by Anthony Albanese. 334a Marrickville Rd, Marrickville NSW 2204.