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 was expanded to 10 schools in 2006, and in 2007 seven more schools joined the Project, making a total of seventeen. During this time additional aerospace industry partners joined the Project.
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 its first major revision following an extensive external evaluation.
The seventeen 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
Miami SHS
Oakey SHS
Redbank Plains SHS
Springwood SHS
St Patrick’s College (Mackay)
Townsville SHS
Toowoomba SHS
The six industry partners are:
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
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.
Aerospace Project Governance Structure
Since its inception, the Aerospace Project has received high level strategic support from both the Queensland Government and the aerospace industry.
Aerospace Project Governance Board
The Aerospace Project Governance Board oversees the strategic direction of the project. The Board is chaired by the Director-General, Department of Education and Training, and includes high-level representation of the industry partners.
Aerospace Project Gateway Schools Meeting
At an operational level, the Principal of Aviation High chairs the Aerospace Project Gateway Schools meetings which are meetings with the Principals and key staff members of the 17 schools, representatives of the aerospace industry partners, and representatives from relevant areas of Government. This group is responsible for implementing the strategic direction determined by the Governance Board.
The Head of Department - Aerospace Industries represents Education Queensland (through the Governance Board) when dealing with the aerospace industry, tertiary institutions, the QSA, and schools.
Aerospace Project 
