A group of twelve secondary school students in Gisborne recently completed an NZQA-approved micro-credential in Aviation Ground Handling delivered by JNP Aviation Training. Typically run over ten weeks in Tauranga, the programme was condensed into two weeks and brought to Tairāwhiti, making it accessible to local students.
The initiative was supported with $4,000 in funding from Trust Tairāwhiti and an extra $1,000 secured from Gisborne Airport.
The course covered skills in effective communication and two-way radio use in aviation, baggage handling, preparation for aircraft loading and health, safety and security in aviation.
“We start by covering the basics of aviation and what it entails regarding some of the atmospheric conditions. We try to marry it up with Matariki, stars and navigational pieces around aviation,” says course instructor Dave Jenner.
“Then, we start with a good health and safety piece focusing on security in aviation. After this we move into the fundamentals of baggage handling, followed by the basics around dangerous goods.
“A highlight of the course is the final aspect, two-way radio and aviation communication. We combine the two to talk about the effectiveness of communication and how it should be relayed, then put it into a two-way radio piece to show how aviation communication works. We take students to the air traffic control tower where they look around and listen in to see how it’s actually done.”
Eight graduates from previous courses have been employed with sister company JNP Aviation, which operates out of 10 ports across the motu, including Gisborne.
“The opportunities in aviation are limitless. The course helped students realise that aviation is more than just pilots flying planes,” says Dave.
With a focus on workforce development, Trust Tairāwhiti engages with local employers, schools and training providers to strengthen the regional workforce and support the creation of quality, well-paid jobs.
“This course introduces students to an industry with exciting career opportunities while also aligning with the region’s tourism development goals,” says the Trust’s business growth and innovation manager, Joe Williams.
“The skills learned - such as communication, safety, and teamwork - are highly transferable and valuable no matter what career path students choose.”
Sara Evans, gateway coordinator at Gisborne Boys’ High School (GBHS), was instrumental in making this opportunity available to local students.
“It was a great programme that opened students' eyes to airport job opportunities. JNP provides Māori and Pasifika cadetships for this career path. Nine students from GBHS, one from Campion College, and three from Ngā Uri a Māui enjoyed the experience, with Dave helping them achieve 20 credits in NCEA Level 2 and 3 unit standards.
“A big thank you to JNP Aviation Training, Gisborne Airport, Gisborne Aviation Museum, Trust Tairāwhiti, Eastland Port, and Murray Bell for their support,” says Sara.