The aviation industry in New Zealand is set to receive a significant boost as Air New Zealand and the Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT), join forces to address the growing demand for aviation engineering skills. This partnership, marked by a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signing, signifies a crucial step forward for tertiary education in the upper South Island.
The Collaborative Vision
Air New Zealand, the national carrier, and NMIT have signed an MoU that paves the way for a strategic partnership to foster the growth of aviation engineering education in New Zealand. This collaboration is in response to the increasing demand for skilled aircraft engineers, both locally and globally.
The Minister of Education, Jan Tinetti, who played a pivotal role in supporting this initiative, emphasised the government’s commitment to strengthening the education sector and aligning it with industry needs. The MoU was signed at the RNZAF Base Woodbourne at Marlborough Airport, where the practical aspects of aviation training will take place.
Empowering Future Engineers
NMIT | Te Pūkenga’s Aviation School of Engineering has emerged as a key player in the education of aviation engineers. Specialised tutors at the school provide training to more than 150 ākonga (learners) annually, equipping them with the skills to build, repair, and maintain various types of aircraft. The collaboration with Air New Zealand aims to build a clear educational pathway in aviation engineering, focusing on both General Aviation Engineering (the school’s current forte) and the airline industry.
One of the significant outcomes of this partnership is the introduction of Level 3 and Level 4 New Zealand Certificates of Aeronautical Engineering at NMIT. These certificates serve as a foundational stepping stone for trainees, opening doors to Air New Zealand’s apprenticeship programs. This development ensures that students have a seamless transition into the industry.
Reid Carnegie, the NMIT Curriculum Area Manager for Engineering, Construction, and Infrastructure, expressed enthusiasm for working closely with Air New Zealand to nurture talent and offer learners diverse choices and support in shaping their future careers. The partnership ensures that the industry’s talent pipeline is well-supported, making it easier for Air New Zealand to employ NMIT graduates.
Meeting Industry Needs
Air New Zealand’s Chief Operating Officer, Alex Marren, highlighted the airline’s ongoing need for aircraft maintenance roles, which currently stands at over 70 openings across the country. This demand is in addition to their annual graduate recruitment program. The collaboration with NMIT is a strategic move to build a career path for students and facilitate the process of hiring NMIT graduates.
As the aviation industry experiences a resurgence post-pandemic, with both domestic and international travel on the rise, the need for skilled aircraft engineers becomes increasingly vital. Marren emphasised that Air New Zealand is not only looking to rebuild its international network but is also working on expanding domestic services and embracing next-generation aircraft. Meeting these operational needs requires a well-prepared engineering and maintenance workforce. The global job market for aircraft engineers is highly competitive, making it essential to develop local talent within New Zealand. The MoU between Air New Zealand and NMIT is a significant step in that direction.
Collaborative Beginnings
The idea of this partnership between Air New Zealand and NMIT began to take shape through their shared membership in the Ringa Hora (Services) Workforce Development Council (WDC). It was further facilitated by the proactive Regional Skills Leadership Group (RSLG) in Marlborough, in collaboration with the Marlborough District Council and stakeholders who have identified aviation as a core focus for the region.
The collaboration between Air New Zealand and NMIT is aligned with the broader context of recent reforms in vocational education in New Zealand. Te Pūkenga, RSLGs, and WDCs have emerged as critical outcomes of these reforms, aiming to empower employers, including Māori businesses, with confidence that graduates are prepared for the workforce. Furthermore, these collaborative efforts ensure that the future skills needs of various industries are adequately addressed.
“The MoU represents a significant achievement in our commitment to a new approach to training. We aim to nurture the individuals who will ensure the aviation sector in Aotearoa New Zealand continues to soar,” remarked Mark Oldershaw, Te Pūkenga Tumu Whenua ā-Rohe 3 | Executive Director, Region 3.
The partnership’s timing aligns with the inclusion of Aviation Engineering in the local Trades Academy initiative, which is delivered through high schools in the region. Starting next year, a group of Year 12 and 13 students will have the opportunity to learn aviation and engineering principles while working with remote-controlled planes. Simultaneously, they will be completing the National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA).
This initiative is not only about education but also about inspiring and nurturing the next generation of engineers from a young age. It will highlight the high-value careers that young individuals can pursue within the aviation sector. This visionary approach promises to create a more skilled and dedicated workforce for the future of the aviation industry.
Mark Oldershaw further added that they are looking forward to realizing the benefits of the partnership with Air New Zealand across their national network, which encompasses aviation engineering provision as well as workplace training provider Service IQ | Te Pūkenga.
SH’s Perspective on the Anticipated Benefits:
The collaboration between Air New Zealand and NMIT marks a significant development in the field of aviation education in Aotearoa. This partnership not only addresses the current skills gap in aviation engineering but also provides a clear educational pathway for learners, making it easier for them to transition into the industry.
The Minister of Education’s support for this initiative underscores the government’s commitment to aligning education with industry needs, fostering a closer connection between educational institutions and employers. The introduction of certificates in aeronautical engineering and the inclusion of aviation education in the local Trades Academy initiative are steps towards empowering the next generation of engineers while meeting the workforce needs of the aviation industry.
The collaboration also illustrates the positive outcomes of recent vocational education reforms, with Te Pūkenga, RSLGs, and WDCs playing a vital role in bridging the gap between education and industry, ultimately ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for the workforce.
Air New Zealand’s ongoing demand for aircraft maintenance roles and the growing competition in the global job market for aircraft engineers highlight the importance of developing local talent. The MoU between Air New Zealand and NMIT is a proactive step in addressing these challenges and ensuring that the aviation sector in Aotearoa New Zealand continues to thrive.
This partnership is not just about education; it’s about building a strong, skilled workforce for the future, ensuring that the aviation industry in New Zealand soars to new heights. With this collaboration, the future of aviation education in Aotearoa looks promising, and the industry is well-positioned to meet its evolving demands.
Quotes:
“Airline traffic is rapidly recovering post the global pandemic, and aircraft engineers are in demand across the world. This initiative will support making a career in aviation engineering an attractive and long-term choice.”-Jan Tinetti (Minister of Education)
“It’s great to be working closely with Air New Zealand to foster the industry’s talent pipeline while offering ākonga greater choice and support for where they see their futures’ heading.”-Reid Carnegie (NMIT Curriculum Area Manager)
“The collaboration with NMIT will help build a career path for students and make it easier for Air New Zealand to take on NMIT graduates.”-Alex Marren (Air New Zealand Chief Operating Officer)
“The MoU is a win for the new joined-up approach we are taking to training to make sure we are doing everything we can to nurture the people who will keep Aotearoa New Zealand flying”-Mark Oldershaw ( Executive Director, Region 3)
