Sunshine Coast: Up, Up, and Into Industry: Manufacturing in Aviation Careers Experience

Step inside the world of advanced aviation manufacturing — where robotics, precision engineering, automation, and digital systems combine with highly skilled people to create real-world innovation.

The Aviation Bus Tour is a one-day, immersive experience designed for senior students to explore cutting-edge aviation businesses, meet industry professionals, and discover the training pathways that lead directly into exciting aerospace careers.

Why Attend:

• Witness state-of-the-art aviation technology in action.
• Meet engineers, technicians, apprentices, and supervisors.
• Learn about careers in aviation manufacturing and aerospace.
• Explore how STEM and vocational skills translate into real-world opportunities.

Aviation Bus Tour – One-Day Agenda

• 7:15 AM – Sunshine Coast Manufacturing Hub – PCDO – Melissa Neumann arrives at booked school
• 7:25 AM – Pre-Arranged Mini bus arrives at front of school (booked by PCDO)
• 7:30 AM – Students & teachers board, rolls marked, permission slips, medical notes, and risk assessments completed and checked
• 8:00 AM – Mini Bus Tour Departs booked school
• 8:45 – 9:45 AM – Helimods, Caloundra – Tour, training & career pathways, Q&A
• 10:00 AM – Depart Helimods/ Morning Tea in transit
• 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM – McDermotts, Cooroy – Tour, training & career pathways, Q&A
• 12:15 PM – Depart McDermotts/ Lunch in transit
• 1:00 – 2:00 PM – Sigma Aerospace College, Maroochydore (Mike Ahern Building) – Training & Career pathways, Q&A
• 2:15 PM – Depart Maroochydore
• 3:00 PM – Arrive back at School (students supervised until pick up)

Learning Focus:

• Explore automation, robotics, CNC, and digital manufacturing systems.
• Connect with local industry to understand job roles and pathways.
• Discover apprenticeships, traineeships, and Certificate II–IV programs.
• Gain insight into regional career opportunities in aviation and aerospace.

Who Should Attend:

• Senior students interested in aviation, aerospace, engineering, or STEM careers in Manufacturing.
• Teachers supporting career exploration, STEM education, and vocational pathways, requiring Industry PD

Additional Information:

FREE TOUR – Sponsored by Sunshine Coast Manufacturing Hub. Your school ticket reserves one tour group (up to 8 students + 2 supervising teachers) and includes all transport, industry visits, coordination, and learning resources.

Particpants must bring a packed lunch. We will not be stopping to buy food.

Spaces are limited to 8 students per tour + a Maximum 2 Teacher’s.

One school per booking.

Three tours planned.

Ticketed school must complete all Department of Education school excursion documentation, insurances, work cover, risk assessments, permission slips and any other travel requirements of students independent of tour organiser (NRMMRRD) – and provide on school letter head from the School Principal to the Sunshine Coast Manufacturing Hub that all school excursion documentation is complete and the excursion is approved.

Book early to secure your school group’s ticket and take the first step toward a future in advanced aviation manufacturing.

More information: Contact – Principal Capability Development Officer – Sunshine Coast Manufacturing Hub – Melissa Neumann – melissa.neumann@nrmmrrd.qld.gov.au