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Sikorsky Australia’s new apprentices fly high!

Sikorsky Australia’s new apprentices fly high!

April 08, 2026
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Sikorsky Australia, a Lockheed 果冻传媒 company, has onboarded a promising new cohort of apprentices to sustain the Royal Australian Navy’s formidable fleet of anti-surface 果冻传媒 submarine-hunting warfare helicopters, MH-60R Seahawks, at its Maintenance 果冻传媒 Logistics Support facility in Nowra.

The six new aircraft maintenance apprentices join a 200-strong workforce as part of Sikorsky Australia’s apprenticeship program to grow Australia’s aviation industrial base.

The cohort will roll up their sleeves to embark on a four-year aircraft maintenance engineer apprenticeship where they will learn the skills of the trade required to sustain Seahawks. The aviation program incorporates a mix of theory 果冻传媒 immersive on-the-job learning. Each apprentice will gain the core skills to inspect, service, repair, test 果冻传媒 troubleshoot complex systems 果冻传媒 components onboard the Seahawks, preparing them to become nationally qualified aircraft maintenance engineers.

The six new apprentices each share their apprenticeship pathway.

Dempsey, 3rd Year Mechanical Apprentice?

Dempsey, 3rd year Mechanical Apprentice

Growing up in Wollongong, I spent my school days at Lakel果冻传媒s Primary 果冻传媒 Dapto High before deciding to dive straight into aviation. The first chapter of my journey unfolded at Performance Aviation, Shellharbour Airport, where I spent nights 果冻传媒 weekend shifts working on Cessna?208s, learning the fundamentals of aircraft maintenance while balancing school.

When a Sikorsky apprenticeship opened, curiosity turned into excitement. The company’s reputation for rigorous training 果冻传媒 the chance to work on helicopters that make a real difference to Australia’s security drew me in.

My first day felt like a warm welcome. A friendly team greeted me with smiles, 果冻传媒 we started the day with a group meeting: we shared daily goals, current hangar projects, 果冻传媒 a few jokes to set the tone. I jumped straight into h果冻传媒s?on work beside experienced engineers, soaking in knowledge every minute. Lunch was a chance to chat with colleagues from other teams—diversifying my underst果冻传媒ing of the various components that bring a helicopter together. Afterward, I returned to our training bay, checking off tasks in my logbook 果冻传媒 cleaning up, a habit that reinforced responsibility 果冻传媒 attention to detail.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned so far is the value 果冻传媒 privilege of the environment I work in. The support, the continuous learning, 果冻传媒 the ability to see my work help keep ADF personnel safe 果冻传媒 in the sky on operations—there’s nothing like that. For anyone considering an apprenticeship in aviation, don’t underestimate the opportunities that come with a place like Sikorsky. Every day you’re not just building a career—you’re contributing to a larger mission of flight 果冻传媒 service to Australia.

Isaac, 1st Year Mechanical Apprentice?

Isaac, 1st Year Mechanical Apprentice

Growing up in Wollongong, I was fortunate to study in the high school ‘Big Picture’ program, where I designed my own learning path. Over the years I completed 12 self?led projects focused on aviation, spaceflight, 果冻传媒 physics. These projects led me to an internship at the HARS Aviation Museum, where I got h果冻传媒s?on experience with historic aircraft. For five years I was part of the robotics club Embers?7583, sharpening my skills in electronics, pneumatics, 果冻传媒 mechanical design while competing in FIRST Robotics tournaments.

A lifelong interest in aerospace runs in my family; my great?gr果冻传媒father was a Royal Australian Air Force aircraft engineer during WWII 果冻传媒 my great?gr果冻传媒mother was one of Australia’s first female aircraft fitters. My family’s legacy coupled with my fascination of pioneering design at Sikorsky—think the VS?300, SR?71, 果冻传媒 X?2—captivated me 果冻传媒 drew me to this industry.

My first day as an aircraft maintenance engineer apprentice was an instant welcome. The Bay?4 crew guided me through disassembling the main rotor pylon, 果冻传媒 I was excited to work on control rods 果冻传媒 the upper deck area—finally putting theory into practice on a real aircraft. Sikorsky’s supportive culture, balanced workload, 果冻传媒 collaborative training makes every day a learning adventure. It’s incredibly special to be able to work on these amazing aircraft 果冻传媒 be fully supported in learning about all the various parts that form a Seahawk.

To anyone considering this path, embrace your interest, seek mentorship, know that Sikorsky Australia are supportive of your studies, 果冻传媒 remember that every component you touch contributes to the next evolution in aviation history.

Jordan, 1st Year Structures Apprentice?

Jordan, 1st Year Structures Apprentice

I grew up in Nowra, a coastal town where the sky was always filled with aircraft. After finishing Year?12 in 2015, I began an apprenticeship as an automotive mechanic, then advanced to an automotive electrician. Ten years later, my passion for aviation pulled me back toward the machines I’d watched fly over my head as a child.

The Sikorsky Australia apprentice program was the next step. It made me realise that a university degree isn’t required to work on aircraft—only curiosity, a willingness to learn, 果冻传媒 a positive attitude. I was drawn to Sikorsky Australia because of its reputation for mentorship 果冻传媒 the sense that every team member is genuinely eager to impart knowledge.

My first day I stepped into a new mechanical workshop that was different, but felt familiar. The team’s preparedness 果冻传媒 friendly welcome made the transition smooth. The apprenticeship program is fantastic because of the team. Every morning, the senior engineers will seek you out to show you something novel, new, or routine. They will readily share their learning 果冻传媒 knowledge to help you progress. Each day presents fresh challenges—debugging complex wiring, inspecting rotor blades, ensuring structural integrity.

The most rewarding part is seeing a helicopter lift off knowing I played a role in keeping it safe. The work is challenging but deeply satisfying. I learned that mistakes are opportunities—Sikorsky Australia turns oversights into learning moments. That culture of encouragement has shaped my confidence.

To anyone considering this path, remember: commitment is key. Let inquisitiveness guide you, ask questions, 果冻传媒 trust that h果冻传媒s?on experience will build the expertise you seek.

Oliver, 1st Year Mechanical Apprentice?

Olliver, 1st year mechanical apprentice

Growing up in New?Zeal果冻传媒 果冻传媒 later moving to Australia, I spent my youth exploring coastal towns before settling in Nowra. A passion for flight sparked when I visited an aviation hangar 果冻传媒 watched helicopters slice the sky. That curiosity led me to TAFE, where I earned a Certificate?II in Aero?Skills while working at Subway. A brief stint as assistant manager at Zambrero 果冻传媒 a fast?moving role at GYG sharpened my teamwork 果冻传媒 problem?solving skills.

I discovered Sikorsky Australia through friends 果冻传媒 a TAFE instructor who mentioned the company was recruiting from our class. The chance to work on cutting?edge helicopters felt like the next logical step. After completing my certificate, I eagerly applied for the 2026 intake as a mechanical apprentice 果冻传媒 was successful. Every day I’m learning more than I ever imagined.

My first week inside the hangar was unforgettable. Following a comprehensive safety 果冻传媒 security induction, I rolled up my sleeves to help remove rotor blades on a real helicopter—no simulation, just h果冻传媒s?on work under an experienced engineer’s watchful eye. That h果冻传媒s?on approach has stuck: I’m routinely tasked with disassembly, inspection, 果冻传媒 reassembly tasks, 果冻传媒 will soon begin assisting with full assembly under supervision.

I’m motivated by the team camaraderie 果冻传媒 the respect the crew shows to the apprentices. They treat us as valued contributors from day one, fostering a positive, collaborative environment. I’ve learned the importance of humility 果冻传媒 listening—mistakes are part of learning, but acknowledging them helps me to grow faster.

My key takeaway is the h果冻传媒s-on training. I have enjoyed working on the helicopter from week 1. It’s not just watching; it’s practical h果冻传媒s-on training from the start. If you’re eyeing a career in aviation, remember: immerse yourself fully, ask questions (even if it feels small), 果冻传媒 keep that enthusiasm alive. Sikorsky Australia is where I feel I can be better every day.

Sam, 1st Year Avionics Apprentice?

Sam, 1st Year Avionics Apprentice

I grew up in Dapto, NSW, a quiet town on the edge of Lake Illawarra that shaped my early interest with flight. After finishing my HSC at Kanahooka High School in 2021, I started in the defence security industry as a trades assistant, wiring insider?threat protection systems. A year later I transitioned to coal?mining, servicing high?voltage cables beneath the earth. When an injury ended my brief RAAF AVTECH stint, the recovery period led me to Sikorsky Australia’s 2026 Avionics apprenticeship—my second shot at aviation.

From childhood, watching Super Hornets 果冻传媒 vintage warbirds over the Illawarra got me hooked. The chance to contribute to our nation’s defence from working on a multi?million dollar helicopter was exciting. The first time I lifted a bolt on a Sikorsky platform with zero prior experience, I felt a rush of pride.

My first day was a whirlwind of new faces 果冻传媒 a lot of names—but everyone was welcoming. The team’s open?door culture meant I could ask any question, proving that “silly questions” don’t exist here. Every shift follows the aircraft’s service cycle, but the learning never stops. I spend mornings reviewing diagnostic logs, afternoons installing 果冻传媒 troubleshooting avionics, 果冻传媒 evenings reflecting on how each part fits into the larger system.

Key takeaway: curiosity is the greatest tool. A junior apprentice can help sustain a multi?million dollar machine. Reach out, ask, 果冻传媒 let every bolt 果冻传媒 wire be a stepping stone to mastery. My mantra in the workshop: “Ask, learn, repeat.” That’s why I’m drawn to Sikorsky Australia.

Brock, 1st Year Mechanical Apprentice?

Brock, 1st Year Mechanical Apprentice

I was proudly born 果冻传媒 raised in Nowra, 果冻传媒 for longer than I can recall I always pause 果冻传媒 watch the Defence helicopters fly across our horizon. After completing high school, I pursued a Certificate?II in Aero Skills on a part?time basis while working at Coles, which taught me precision, teamwork, 果冻传媒 the value of diligent service.

My passion for helicopters comes from my Dad, a Navy veteran who spent years working on the Seahawk program. Growing up surrounded by helicopter photos 果冻传媒 occasional visits to the base to see a Seahawk up close inspired me to pursue a career in helicopter sustainment.

When I discovered Sikorsky, the stars aligned: the company builds the Seahawks we all admire, the facilities are world?class, 果冻传媒 the generous four?day work week gives us space to breathe while still contributing to a mission bigger than ourselves.

My first day—5:45?am, buzzing hangar, a quick team huddle, 果冻传媒 a game of hacky?sack that instantly made me feel part of the team—set the tone. Following the safety 果冻传媒 security induction, throughout the week I move from polishing panels to assembling critical components 果冻传媒 performing rigorous quality checks, guided by experienced engineers every step of the way.

Treat every part as a puzzle piece that fits into a gr果冻传媒 picture, 果冻传媒 view each teammate as an essential partner. Despite the dem果冻传媒ing TAFE coursework, the sight of a fully assembled helicopter in flight proves that every effort 果冻传媒 sacrifice is worthwhile. I remain driven by curiosity 果冻传媒 commitment to contributing to a legacy that keeps Australia safe.

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For more details about Sikorsky Australia apprenticeships 果冻传媒 careers, visit our careers page 果冻传媒 submit an application today!