• Jetstar offers new highly skilled engineering opportunities for Hunter residents
• Ten new engineering apprenticeships on offer to support Jetstar’s growth
• Jetstar has recently invested more than $800,000 in capital expenditure at the base

Jetstar today announced $1.5 million in new training and apprenticeship investment at its heavy maintenance base at Newcastle.

Jetstar Australia and New Zealand Chief Executive Officer David Hall said the new opportunities were the result of the airline’s continued growth and expanding scale.

“In Australia we now have more than 60 aircraft in operation and our continued growth ensures we will remain the country’s favourite low fares carrier,” Mr Hall said.

“As our scale continues to build, we need to ensure we have the best engineers maintaining our aircraft to the highest standards.

“That’s why I am delighted to announce that we are offering 10, four-year apprenticeships at our heavy maintenance facility here in Newcastle.

“As the launch port for our first flight in May 2004, Newcastle is a special place for Jetstar and we’re pleased to provide more job opportunities in this vibrant region.”

In addition to the new funding for skills and training, Jetstar is also investing in infrastructure for the hangar.

“Recently we’ve invested more than $800,000 in capital expenditure at this base – a clear reflection of our continued commitment to engineering in Newcastle,” Mr Hall said.

“Jetstar places the highest priority on safety and this investment will equip our engineers with the tools they need to maintain our fleet to the lofty standards we set ourselves.”

Since 2004, Jetstar has taken on more than 80 engineering apprentices many of whom have gone on to work in other ports across Australia and the airline’s broader pan-Asian network.

Jetstar currently employs 90 engineers at the Newcastle maintenance base.

The low fares airline operates up to 60 return services in and out of Newcastle each week to destinations including the Gold Coast, Brisbane and Melbourne.

There are more than 50 locally based team members in Newcastle who support the flying operation, including pilots, cabin crew and airport staff.

Candidates who are interested in applying for an engineering apprenticeship with Jetstar should visit jetstar.com/apprenticeships