The Aerospace Project commenced in January 2004 as a partnership between Education Queensland, Boeing Australia Limited (as it then was) and Aviation Australia. The aim of the Project is to create pathways for students into Queensland’s growing aerospace industries.

Six schools (three in the vicinity of Brisbane Airport, and three in the vicinity of RAAF Amberley) were initially targeted as the "gateways to the aerospace industries".

Initially four activities were targeted:

• the setting up of a structured work program of Work Experience (including dealing with insurance issues);
• work and planning towards the establishment of a "flagship" curriculum through the Queensland Studies Authority (QSA);
• the introduction of a system of awards and the inauguration of a formal ceremony at Parliament House in November of each year, for both students and teachers; and
• the commencement of a program of professional development for teachers.

 
 The Project has now expanded to 23 schools, and the number of formal aerospace industry partners has increased to eight.

In 2007, Hendra Secondary College, one of the six initial schools, became Aviation High, and Aviation High is now the hub school of the Project.

The QSA Authority subject Aerospace Studies was developed with extraordinary industry input, and is offered to Years 11 and 12 students in all Project schools. The first graduating classes completed Year 12 in 2007, and the initial trial Syllabus has undergone two major revisions following extensive external and internal evaluations.

The twenty three schools are: 

• Aviation High
• Balmoral SHS
• Bremer SHS
• Brisbane SHS
• Cairns SHS
• Caloundra SHS
• Good Shepherd Catholic College (Mount Isa)
• Indooroopilly SHS
• Iona College
• Ipswich Grammar School
• Kingaroy State High School
• Lockyer District State High School
• Maryborough State High School
• Miami SHS
• Mueller College (Rothwell)
• Noosa District State High School
• Oakey SHS
• Palm Beach Currumbin State High School
• Redbank Plains SHS
• Springwood SHS
• St Patrick’s College (Mackay)
• Townsville SHS
• Toowoomba SHS

• Boeing Defence Australia Limited
• Aviation Australia Pty Ltd
• Australian Aerospace Limited
• GE Aviation Systems Australia Pty Ltd
• Brisbane Airport Corporation Pty Limited
• Qantas Airways Limited
• Virgin Australia Airlines Pty Ltd
• Australian Defence Forces 
   

  From the inception of the Project, Education Queensland has appointed a full-time Head of Department-Aerospace Industries to manage the Project, based initially at Aviation Australia, but now based at Aviation High.

  Project Outcomes

  · The establishment of Aviation High at Widdop St Clayfield near the Brisbane Airport which is Australia’s only high school that has a dedicated aerospace/aviation focus.

  · The development of a new Queensland Studies Authority OP eligible subject titled "Aerospace Studies" which commenced in 2006.

  · Changes to Education Queensland’s Work Experience Public Liability Insurance Policy allowing students to perform work experience in and around airports - commenced April 2004

  · The development of a new practical, project based senior workshop subject titled "Aeroskills Studies" which is specifically aimed at supporting careers in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering – commenced 2007.

  · A highly structured 5 day work experience program offered by the aerospace industry partners in a broad range of careers including HR/Admin. Systems Engineering, Aircraft Technical Trades, IT, Finance, Supply Management and Quality Control

  · The introduction of an annual industry-sponsored awards event (the Aerospace Education Awards) held at Parliament House, Brisbane to recognise outstanding achievement by students and teachers

  · Direct Entry arrangements to various universities and to Aviation Australia for students of the Aerospace Gateway schools

  · An on-going curriculum support/mentoring process by the industry for the Aerospace Gateway schools.

  · Support for schools and students through the office of HODAI involving airport and aerospace industry visits and attendance at special aerospace events.

  · The establishment of a Governance Board which has significant influence on strategic Education initiatives associated with aerospace.