Sixteen Adelaide-based trainee aerospace workers have joined Boeing Defence Australia (BDA) to support the P-8A Poseidon Through Life Support program.

The trainees are currently undertaking in a six-month Certificate II in Aeroskills with South Australian-based based Flight One School of Engineering. After completing the Certificate, they will transition into on-the-job training before supporting the P-8A Increment 3 Block 2 software, systems and sensor upgrades on 12 RAAF fleet P-8A aircraft.

The cohort marks the largest single intake by the company and the start of a two-year recruitment drive that will support the $139.5 million contract awarded to BDA to upgrade the Royal Australian Air Force’s (RAAF) fleet of P-8A Poseidon aircraft.

The contract is set to create approximately 50 new South Australian jobs, including 40 trade roles.

Director of BDA’s Product Support, Training & Maintenance Capability Ben Knabe said that the intake signals a new approach to building a sustainable aircraft maintenance workforce in Australia.

“We need more than 40 new trades employees over the next two years for the P-8A upgrade program, making it one of the largest military aircraft recruitment efforts in South Australia for decades.”

South Australian Minister for Education, Training and Skills Blair Boyer expressed his support for the program and its crucial role in developing local skills and knowledge in the aerospace sector.

“The aeroskills sector is an important component of the defence industry in South Australia, but has previously had limited vocational pathways,” he said.

“For young people to have an opportunity like this, right here in South Australia, is a testament to how we are looking at further growing the industry.”

In addition to the Certificate II Aeroskills qualification, trainees will complete several Certificate IV competencies as a pathway for those wanting to pursue an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer career in the future.

The first P-8A aircraft entered service almost 10 years ago under an incremental development program and the upcoming upgrades will ensure best-for-mission capability and support the achievement of Initial Operating Capability in June 2028.

Learn more about the P8-A upgrade contract.

Image supplied by Boeing Defence Australia.