School Expression of Interest

What does it mean to be an Aerospace Gateway School?

The program’s intent is to provide school education that is authentic and connected to a range of within school, and post-school pathways to the exciting and vocationally diverse aerospace industry sector. It achieves this by offering real world learning, encouraging diversity and inclusion, providing quality pathway advice, and experience opportunities, within an aerospace context.

Participating schools’ partner with aerospace businesses to proactively engage and inspire students to consider a skilled, diverse, and sustainable career in aerospace or related industries. Schools are also exposed to an increased understanding of the needs of businesses, industry and the alignment between preparation of young people and the transition to further study and work.

Students recognise the value of an aerospace related education; are provided clear trade and professional pathway information into the aviation industry; have practical experiences and participate in real-world challenges that expose students to the requirements of aviation employees; and form positive working relationships with industry.

Teachers are provided professional learning activities that encourage the teaching of aviation related subjects; increase their knowledge of industry related innovation and practice made available; support implementation of the Australian Curriculum and have access to a wide range of resources.

How do you benefit from the program?

The Aerospace Gateway Schools Project team works collaboratively with the school, partnering industry and participating employers to ensure a strong industry focus to structured learning opportunities; provides a calendar of activities and structured learning opportunities including guest speakers, structured workplace training, work experience placements and teaching staff currency opportunities; facilitates enduring partnerships that support the future employment of young people in the industry; publishes regular e-newsletters and manage a dedicate resource portal, marketing activities and social media channels linked to the program; organises specific program activities such as the annual two-day Teacher Professional Development Conference and Aerospace Industry Education Awards.

Industry participates in the program by establishing working partnerships with participating schools and their education partners. They assist and foster the enthusiasm of students who wish to have a career in aviation, establish direct relationships with schools; provide informed opportunities on pathways into aviation careers and workplace expectations. The direct and indirect benefits of working with aerospace industry partners include access to aerospace industry professionals to inform and support contextualised teaching and learning opportunities.

The Gateway to Industry Schools program provides industry with the flexibility to develop and implement tailored school engagement approaches and activities. As each project is led by industry organisations, school-based learning and engagement activities are structured to support the development of key industry skills and workforce priorities.

How do new schools apply?

New applications from schools will be considered during a specific timeframe each year. A school can complete an Expression of Interest (EOI) form during term one. If there is capacity to support additional schools, a three-year strategic plan will be submitted to the Project Manager. Applications will be reviewed, and an outcome will be given by the end of Term Two.

Expression of Interest

Interested Schools may submit their expression of interest which confirms the school’s capacity and commitment to the program and authorisation by the school principal for the school to participate.

Note: It is recommended that Aerospace Systems Units 1 and 2 are implemented in the second year after being accepted as an Aerospace Gateway School. Units 3 and 4 will be implemented during the third year, with an ongoing commitment to deliver the subject.