Industry leaders unite to shape the future of Australia’s Aerospace workforce
Aviation Australia is proud to announce the confirmed industry partners supporting the Aerospace Gateway to Industry Schools Program in 2026, marking a significant milestone in the continued growth of aerospace education and workforce development in Queensland and beyond.
The Aerospace Gateway to Industry Schools Program is established and funded by the Queensland Government and hosted by Aviation Australia. The program plays a vital role in connecting schools, students and educators with industry, supporting early exposure to aerospace careers and helping build a sustainable future workforce pipeline.
The partnerships announced today demonstrate the strength of collaboration between government, industry and specialist training providers, working together to respond to the growing need to attract, engage and develop the next generation of aerospace talent.
STRATEGIC PARTNERS
Aviation Australia proudly acknowledges and thanks the following Strategic Partners for their commitment to the Aerospace Gateway to Industry Schools Program in 2026:
• Boeing
• Northrop Grumman
• Virgin Australia
As foundational partners, these organisations are demonstrating leadership through their early and ongoing commitment to developing Australia’s future aerospace workforce. Their involvement extends beyond sponsorship, reflecting a shared belief in the importance of education and industry collaboration, and the value of engaging students early with meaningful, real-world aerospace pathways.
By stepping forward as Strategic Partners, Boeing, Northrop Grumman and Virgin Australia are helping shape a recognised industry platform that brings together government, education and industry. Their support strengthens the program’s credibility and sends a clear message to students, educators and the broader sector that aerospace is an industry actively investing in its future workforce.
Aviation Australia CEO Glenn Ryan said the commitment of the Strategic Partners is critical to meeting future workforce demand.
“The commitment shown by our Strategic Partners reflects a shared understanding that the future of aerospace depends on the talent we attract and nurture today. Responding to workforce needs requires genuine collaboration between government, industry and training providers. These partnerships help create a stronger future for the next generation of aviation and aerospace professionals.”
INDUSTRY PARTNERS
The Aerospace Gateway to Industry Schools Program is also supported by the following Industry Partners in 2026:
• GE Aerospace
• Brisbane Airport Corporation
These partners play an important role in strengthening industry engagement across the program and supporting connections between students, schools and the aerospace sector.
Program Manager for the Aerospace Gateway to Industry Schools Program, Natalie Allen, said the program’s strength lies in the breadth of industry involvement and support.
“The strength of the Aerospace Gateway to Industry Schools Program lies in the collective contribution of industry. Alongside our Strategic and Industry Partners, we are grateful for the continued support of industry advocates and in-kind contributors who share their time, expertise and guidance through the program and its Steering Committee.
“This collaboration enhances student experiences, strengthens industry connections and ensures the program delivers clear, meaningful pathways into aerospace careers.”
RECOGNISING INDUSTRY CONTRIBUTION
Aviation Australia also acknowledges the continued involvement of industry organisations that provide in-kind support and advisory input through the program’s Steering Committee, including:
• Qantas
• Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA)
• Royal Aeronautical Society (Australia)
• Airbus
• Hypersonix Launch Systems
Their ongoing involvement reflects the depth and diversity of industry commitment supporting aerospace education and future workforce development in Australia.
A PLATFORM DESIGNED TO GROW
This announcement represents the first step in strengthening the Aerospace Gateway to Industry Schools Program as a recognised platform for talent development, industry connection and workforce readiness. It demonstrates what is possible when government, industry and education work together with a shared purpose.
With strong partnerships in place, the program is well positioned to continue expanding its reach and impact for students, educators and the aerospace sector into the future.
For more information:
Kylie Hine
Aviation Australia
Email: [email protected]
Website: aviationaustralia.aero
