Engineering Apprenticeship Program

The Qantas Group Engineering Apprenticeship Program offers an in-depth four-year program as a full-time engineering apprenctice.

We offer a variety of apprenticeships at our Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney airport maintenance facilities. Opportunities include aircraft trades (avionic, mechanical, and structural) and non-aircraft trades. Availability of trades may differ from year to year.

All roles are hands-on and involve problem-solving, precision, and innovation. Embarking on an engineering apprenticeship will start your career in the greater aviation industry.

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Aircraft Trades

All our aircraft engineers start their careers training, studying and earning as an apprentice. Our apprenticeship is an opportunity to work for a world-class airline and achieve a nationally recognised qualification in the aerospace industry. It's an on-the-job training program with a registered training organisation.

It's important to familiarise yourself with our apprenticeships and recruitment process as you'll only be able to apply for one trade (exceptions may apply from time to time). Spend a few minutes reading the following information to ensure you make the right decision with your application.

Mechanical Apprentice

Are you mechanically minded and interested in how and why things move? You might enjoy building or restoring mechanical devices or have a strong interest in physics. As a Mechanical Apprentice, you'll inspect, test, and maintain the Qantas Group Fleet. You can specialise in:

Aircraft engine systems
Aircraft structures
Landing gears, wheels and brakes systems
Hydraulic/pneumatic systems
Flight control systems
Environment control systems

Avionic Apprentice

Are you scientifically minded, with a passion for electronics and creating devices powered by electronic energy? As an Avionic Apprentice, you’ll gain a deep understanding of aircraft electrical and communication systems. You can specialise in:

Electrical power systems
Aircraft Instrument systems
Autopilot and navigation systems
Communication systems
General electrical and indicating systems
Associated electronic systems

Structural Apprentice

Do you want to be involved in a design and craft role where you are designing and building things from scratch? The Structures trade is highly specialised involving the use of high-tech materials and processes. As a Structural Apprentice, you'll ensure the safety and airworthiness of an aircraft by keeping the structural components in optimal condition. You can specialise in:

Repairs to sheet metal and advanced composite materials
Modification programs
Fabrication

Non-Aircraft Trades

We offer limited apprenticeships within the following non-aircraft trades:

Surface re-finishing - preparing and painting aircraft and components using approved paints and solvents as per industry standards.
Trimmer - repairing and manufacturing soft furnishings fitted throughout the aircraft including seat covers, curtains, floor coverings.
Signs and graphics - design, manufacture and apply or install indoor and outdoor signage in a variety of ways.

Benefits of joining Qantas

Zero student debt

We’ll cover the cost of your apprentice course and accreditations. Additionally, as an apprentice you receive a salary, so you’ll earn while learning.

Evolve your career

Our apprentices move up to qualified engineers in just a few years with structured on-the-job training, putting you in a prime position for career growth.

The engineering community

Enjoy the chance to work with a network of some of Australia’s best engineers and build a strong culture and community across all apprentice specialties.

Explore the world

As a Qantas employee, you’ll have access to staff travel, which allows significant discounts on standby and confirmed flights for you, your friends, and family.

Feel supported

Our Employee Resource Groups embrace inclusion and diversity in the workplace. Including Altitude for gender equality and Daramu for First Nations employees.

Appreciate each other

Our ThankQ program allows us to thank teammates for their excellent work. ThankQ points can be redeemed for gift cards, travel credits and Qantas Points.

Engineering Apprenticeship recruitment journey

Applications for the Engineering Apprenticeship Program typically open around July and August each year. We pride ourselves on conducting a fair, equitable, transparent and accurate recruitment process to recruit the best candidates. To achieve this, we conduct an extensive and thorough screening and selection process.

Check criteria

Before you apply, make sure you check that you meet the minimum criteria for our role requirements (see FAQs below).

Upload your CV

Upload a cover letter that will help us get to know you better and an up-to-date CV that highlights any relevant skills and qualifications.

Online technical competency assessment

This assessment will measure mathematical and mechanical aptitude.

Assessment Centre

If you meet the initial requirements, you may be invited to an assessment day. The day often includes group activities, role-play scenarios, and individual face-to-face interviews, giving you the chance to demonstrate your technical experience, and ability to work in a team, and communicate effectively.

Pre-Employment checks

Before we make an offer, successful candidates will need to complete various checks, including reference checks, a background check, criminal and security clearances, and a medical examination.

Offer of employment

If we think you would be a great fit and your pre-employment checks are up to standard, you may receive a formal job offer to join the team.

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An engineering apprentice working on the mechanics of a plane, smiling at camera

Since starting as a Mechanical Apprentice in 2023, the supportive environment and daily opportunities for continuous learning have made me feel truly comfortable in the workplace.

Kieran Connelly, Aircraft Maintenance Apprentice (Mechanical)

An engineering apprentice in the hangar, smiling at the camera

I enjoy working on a variety of aircraft and tackling different tasks each day. I have the privilege of learning from a diverse group of engineers with deep knowledge and expertise.

Marnie Hehir, Aircraft Maintenance Apprentice (Avionic)

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the minimum requirements to be considered for an Apprenticeship?

There are minimum entry level requirements that need to be considered before making your application to join the Qantas Engineering Apprenticeship program. You must:

Be an Australian or New Zealand Citizen or Australian Permanent Resident.
Be at least 15 years of age or older at time of employment.
Have completed a minimum of Year 10 or equivalent.
Pass a Federal Police criminal history check to establish your eligibility to hold an ASIC (Aviation Security Identification Card).
Pass a pre-employment medical examination.
Be able to work a seven day rotating shift roster which covers a 24 hour schedule.

For Mechanical, Avionic and Structural Apprenticeships you will have also ideally completed a Certificate IV in Aeroskills at a recognised training provider such as Aviation Australia.

Can a school-based trainee apply?

Yes, however, this is a full-time opportunity so only suitable for candidates who have finished full-time study.

What do I wear to the assessment centre?

Make a good first impression by wearing clean, neat attire. That you will be comfortable in for a 3 hour session. Steer away from ripped clothes.

What if I am unable to attend an assessment centre?

We will have designated days of assessment centres per port. If you cannot attend the specific dates for your port, you can attend another port's assessment centre, although this will be at your own cost. If you can't attend any of the dates, you will unfortunately need to withdraw your application and reapply the following year.

Will Qantas cover the expenses for me to travel to the assessment centre?

Travel costs to attend the assessment centre will be at your own expense.

Do I need a driver's licence?

For all roles in Perth with Network Aviation you will need to have a driver’s licence (P plate is acceptable). For all other roles, if you are under the driving age, this is not required for your apprenticeship. However, a full driver's licence is required if you successfully complete your apprenticeship and wish to apply to become an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer with Qantas.

Do I need to pay for the apprenticeship course?

Qantas pays for your training course, and you will also be paid by Qantas when you are attending theory classroom-based lessons as part of your training at the RTO training facility.

When does the program start?

If you are successful, you will start your apprenticeship early the following year.

Is the program a full-time or part-time position?

The apprenticeship is a full-time commitment with Qantas for the 4-year term of the apprenticeship.

How will I successfully graduate from the program?

Keeping up to date with your studies throughout your apprenticeship is important, including on the job and when completing theory training. Also, all exams must be passed to successfully graduate from the Apprenticeship Program.

What will my roster look like during the apprenticeship?

It will depend on your work location and other operational requirements; however, you will need to be able to undertake shift work on a rotational 7-day roster during the period of your apprenticeship.

Will I be given a role after the apprenticeship?

This is subject to roles being available at the end of your apprenticeship. Successful graduating apprentices can apply for any available permanent position within the Qantas Group. This will be discussed as you come to the end of your apprenticeship.