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Twenty-three years ago, Erin Rounds started her aviation journey in the wash area of Brisbane Airport's flight catering facility...
Meet Wendy and Cadel, two year 12 students whose keen interest in aviation recently landed them at Brisbane Airport as part of the Immersion Experience Program, a partnership between Brisbane Airport Corporation, United Airlines, and Aviation Australia’s Aerospace Gateway to Industry Schools Program (AGISP). This one-week program seeks to immerse students in the airport environment, providing hands-on experience in a variety of roles.
We caught up with Wendy and Cadel on Day 1, and they both said they hoped the week would help them learn as many aspects of the airport as possible. Wendy expressed an interest in management, business and air traffic control; Cadel was keen to put his interest in being a pilot to the test, hoping to get a better understanding of the many moving parts that make the job possible.
From helping out with check-in to learning the ins and outs of ramp work, airport operations and even the inside of the cockpit, Wendy and Cadel had a whirlwind of a week. We were very impressed with their energy and excitement for aviation, and we are proud to know that they are looking to enter our demanding, exciting and rewarding industry.
Did the Immersion Experience Program meet your expectations?
Cadel: The program exceeded my expectations. At the start of the week, I was unsure what to expect having never been involved in such an amazing program. It exceeded my expectations with how hands-on and rapidly changing the week was. No day was the same!
Wendy: This program was above and beyond what I was expecting. I met a lot of aviation experts who were willing to share their career journeys. Everyone was specialised in their job, so I learned heaps of new skills that can potentially guide me to a successful future in the aviation industry. The program also provided an opportunity to see behind-the-scenes of airport operations, which I’ve never seen before.
What was the most eye-opening experience?
Cadel: The most eye-opening experience was how many different opportunities there are within aviation. My most interesting experience was probably helping with customer service, I didn’t expect to be doing a boarding call or helping passengers at check-in, which provided exciting challenges. Sitting in a 787 engine was also pretty fun.
Wendy: We had different activities throughout the week, but we usually started each day off with the United Airlines team. Every morning, we would go to the UA lobby and assist passengers with checking in through the self-service kiosks. I was surprised with the briefing process of the ground team. They effectively demonstrated the idea of teamwork, clear communication, and followed step-by-step instructions to avoid major problems that can arise and delay the flight. Moreover, there were so many important airport-related jobs that I didn't know of until now. Thanks to this program, I now understand the big picture of an airport.
Did the programs help you think about possible career paths?
Cadel: I’m still incredibly passionate about being a pilot. However, the program it allowed me to see how valuable all the jobs in the industry are and the contribution they make to a pilot being able to perform their duty. It definitely opened my eyes to the level of teamwork required to efficiently turn aircraft around so pilots can complete their jobs.
Wendy: This experience definitely helped me make the final decision to stick with aviation management. Before joining this immersion program, I had a future job in mind, but once I got to explore and gain a deeper insight into airport and airline operations, my list broadened with more options. There are some jobs that might require years of experiences in aviation, but there are also multiple roles that you can possibly do as a pathway to your future job. So, I'd like to take part in as many opportunities as I can to see what I like or dislike, or what I'm good at and what I'm not. If the outcome doesn't turn out great, it won't be the end of the world, but a useful life lesson to keep moving on to other careers that might be more suitable for me.
What was the biggest takeaway for you?
Cadel: The importance of communication, problem solving, teamwork and leadership amongst different teams involved in operations. Without those skills, it would be impossible to complete any tasks or solve issues that arise effectively. But ultimately, I’ll take away the fun, stressful times and excitement—and also the connections I’ve made that allowed me to gain valuable insights and pathways to drive my passion.
Wendy: That teamwork makes perfect. Cooperation between different sectors within the airport and strong communication between those sectors are crucial to airport and airline operations. In my opinion, they are the key skills you need to have if you want to be in the aviation industry. The are no jobs that are better than any other jobs; every person in an airport is as significant as one another. This is why I really like the aviation industry.
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