Aviation and Airlines (Commonwealth Union) _ Air New Zealand, a prominent member of the Star Alliance, has forged a collaboration with the Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT) to establish a route for students aspiring to venture into the field of aviation engineering. This partnership is designed to offer a trajectory for individuals who seek to build a career in this sector. The primary objective of this partnership is to cultivate a stream of skilled individuals who can eventually contribute to the airline’s maintenance positions, addressing the need for a continuous supply of adept professionals in the aviation industry.
NMIT, a local polytechnic based in Nelson and Marlborough, offers qualifications in Aviation Engineering, including building, repairing, and maintaining various aircraft types. The polytechnic has the capacity to train up to 150 students per year in aircraft engineering.
The partnership will enable students to gain practical experience through on-the-job work placements, fostering a strong connection between education and industry needs. The program will also benefit local schools, with high school students having the opportunity to earn NCEA credits for aviation and engineering subjects.
Air New Zealand’s Chief Operating Officer, Alex Marren, emphasized the importance of developing local talent to meet the airline’s operational needs. The collaboration with NMIT is expected to create a career path for students and facilitate easier recruitment of NMIT graduates by Air New Zealand.
This partnership was facilitated by the Workforce Development Council and the Ringa Hora (Services) division, both focused on enhancing vocational education and workforce outcomes. The initiative aligns with the airline’s commitment to recruiting local talent and building a skilled workforce in the aviation engineering sector.
Nelson and Blenheim, where NMIT is located, play a significant role in Air New Zealand’s operations, connecting the northern South Island airports to major cities such as Auckland and Wellington. The partnership is expected to contribute to the growth of the local aviation industry and address the increasing demand for skilled aviation engineers.
