Airservices and TAFE sign training agreement

Airservices CEO Greg Russell and acting Riverina Institute Director Joy Stocker signed the Memorandum of understanding in Wagga Wagga yesterday (26 August). Under the MOU Airservices has committed $2.8m over five years to establish a trade-specific curriculum and deliver training at the Riverina Institute campus. The first group of 18 Airservices trainees is already studying towards a two-year Diploma of Electronics & Communications Engineering in Wagga Wagga. The specially designed course gives trainees the skills to maintain Australias high-tech air traffic control equipment, including communications, surveillance and navigation aids, radars and data systems. Airservices CEO Greg Russell said the MOU represented a significant partnership in regional skills development. Working with the Riverina Institute weve been able to deliver real training opportunities for regional Australians and ensure we can meet key workforce challenges at the same time, Mr Russell said. Trainees will gain work experience with Airservices throughout their course and commence careers as technical engineers with the nations air navigation service provider on graduation. Airservices is currently recruiting an additional 18 trainees for its 2010 technical trainee intake. Applications close on 31 August.