Sikorsky Australia’s new apprentices fly high!

Sikorsky Australia, a Lockheed Martin company, has onboarded a promising new cohort of apprentices to sustain the Royal Australian Navy’s formidable fleet of anti-surface and submarine-hunting warfare helicopters, MH-60R Seahawks, at its Maintenance and Logistics Support facility in Nowra.

The six new aircraft maintenance apprentices join a 200-strong workforce as part of Sikorsky Australia’s apprenticeship program to grow Australia’s aviation industrial base.

The cohort will roll up their sleeves to embark on a four-year aircraft maintenance engineer apprenticeship where they will learn the skills of the trade required to sustain Seahawks. The aviation program incorporates a mix of theory and immersive on-the-job learning. Each apprentice will gain the core skills to inspect, service, repair, test and troubleshoot complex systems and components onboard the Seahawks, preparing them to become nationally qualified aircraft maintenance engineers.

The six new apprentices each share their apprenticeship pathway.

Growing up in Wollongong, I spent my school days at Lakelands Primary and Dapto High before deciding to dive straight into aviation. The first chapter of my journey unfolded at Performance Aviation, Shellharbour Airport, where I spent nights and weekend shifts working on Cessna 208s, learning the fundamentals of aircraft maintenance while balancing school.

When a Sikorsky apprenticeship opened, curiosity turned into excitement. The company’s reputation for rigorous training and the chance to work on helicopters that make a real difference to Australia’s security drew me in.

My first day felt like a warm welcome. A friendly team greeted me with smiles, and we started the day with a group meeting: we shared daily goals, current hangar projects, and a few jokes to set the tone. I jumped straight into hands‑on work beside experienced engineers, soaking in knowledge every minute. Lunch was a chance to chat with colleagues from other teams—diversifying my understanding of the various components that bring a helicopter together. Afterward, I returned to our training bay, checking off tasks in my logbook and cleaning up, a habit that reinforced responsibility and attention to detail.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned so far is the value and privilege of the environment I work in. The support, the continuous learning, and the ability to see my work help keep ADF personnel safe and in the sky on operations—there’s nothing like that. For anyone considering an apprenticeship in aviation, don’t underestimate the opportunities that come with a place like Sikorsky. Every day you’re not just building a career—you’re contributing to a larger mission of flight and service to Australia.

Growing up in Wollongong, I was fortunate to study in the high school ‘Big Picture’ program, where I designed my own learning path. Over the years I completed 12 self‑led projects focused on aviation, spaceflight, and physics. These projects led me to an internship at the HARS Aviation Museum, where I got hands‑on experience with historic aircraft. For five years I was part of the robotics club Embers 7583, sharpening my skills in electronics, pneumatics, and mechanical design while competing in FIRST Robotics tournaments.

A lifelong interest in aerospace runs in my family; my great‑grandfather was a Royal Australian Air Force aircraft engineer during WWII and my great‑grandmother was one of Australia’s first female aircraft fitters. My family’s legacy coupled with my fascination of pioneering design at Sikorsky—think the VS‑300, SR‑71, and X‑2—captivated me and drew me to this industry.

My first day as an aircraft maintenance engineer apprentice was an instant welcome. The Bay 4 crew guided me through disassembling the main rotor pylon, and I was excited to work on control rods and the upper deck area—finally putting theory into practice on a real aircraft. Sikorsky’s supportive culture, balanced workload, and collaborative training makes every day a learning adventure. It’s incredibly special to be able to work on these amazing aircraft and be fully supported in learning about all the various parts that form a Seahawk.

To anyone considering this path, embrace your interest, seek mentorship, know that Sikorsky Australia are supportive of your studies, and remember that every component you touch contributes to the next evolution in aviation history.

I grew up in Nowra, a coastal town where the sky was always filled with aircraft. After finishing Year 12 in 2015, I began an apprenticeship as an automotive mechanic, then advanced to an automotive electrician. Ten years later, my passion for aviation pulled me back toward the machines I’d watched fly over my head as a child.

The Sikorsky Australia apprentice program was the next step. It made me realise that a university degree isn’t required to work on aircraft—only curiosity, a willingness to learn, and a positive attitude. I was drawn to Sikorsky Australia because of its reputation for mentorship and the sense that every team member is genuinely eager to impart knowledge.

My first day I stepped into a new mechanical workshop that was different, but felt familiar. The team’s preparedness and friendly welcome made the transition smooth. The apprenticeship program is fantastic because of the team. Every morning, the senior engineers will seek you out to show you something novel, new, or routine. They will readily share their learning and knowledge to help you progress. Each day presents fresh challenges—debugging complex wiring, inspecting rotor blades, ensuring structural integrity.

The most rewarding part is seeing a helicopter lift off knowing I played a role in keeping it safe. The work is challenging but deeply satisfying. I learned that mistakes are opportunities—Sikorsky Australia turns oversights into learning moments. That culture of encouragement has shaped my confidence.

To anyone considering this path, remember: commitment is key. Let inquisitiveness guide you, ask questions, and trust that hands‑on experience will build the expertise you seek.

Growing up in New Zealand and later moving to Australia, I spent my youth exploring coastal towns before settling in Nowra. A passion for flight sparked when I visited an aviation hangar and watched helicopters slice the sky. That curiosity led me to TAFE, where I earned a Certificate II in Aero‑Skills while working at Subway. A brief stint as assistant manager at Zambrero and a fast‑moving role at GYG sharpened my teamwork and problem‑solving skills.

I discovered Sikorsky Australia through friends and a TAFE instructor who mentioned the company was recruiting from our class. The chance to work on cutting‑edge helicopters felt like the next logical step. After completing my certificate, I eagerly applied for the 2026 intake as a mechanical apprentice and was successful. Every day I’m learning more than I ever imagined.

My first week inside the hangar was unforgettable. Following a comprehensive safety and security induction, I rolled up my sleeves to help remove rotor blades on a real helicopter—no simulation, just hands‑on work under an experienced engineer’s watchful eye. That hands‑on approach has stuck: I’m routinely tasked with disassembly, inspection, and reassembly tasks, and will soon begin assisting with full assembly under supervision.

I’m motivated by the team camaraderie and the respect the crew shows to the apprentices. They treat us as valued contributors from day one, fostering a positive, collaborative environment. I’ve learned the importance of humility and listening—mistakes are part of learning, but acknowledging them helps me to grow faster.

My key takeaway is the hands-on training. I have enjoyed working on the helicopter from week 1. It’s not just watching; it’s practical hands-on training from the start. If you’re eyeing a career in aviation, remember: immerse yourself fully, ask questions (even if it feels small), and keep that enthusiasm alive. Sikorsky Australia is where I feel I can be better every day.

I grew up in Dapto, NSW, a quiet town on the edge of Lake Illawarra that shaped my early interest with flight. After finishing my HSC at Kanahooka High School in 2021, I started in the defence security industry as a trades assistant, wiring insider‑threat protection systems. A year later I transitioned to coal‑mining, servicing high‑voltage cables beneath the earth. When an injury ended my brief RAAF AVTECH stint, the recovery period led me to Sikorsky Australia’s 2026 Avionics apprenticeship—my second shot at aviation.

From childhood, watching Super Hornets and vintage warbirds over the Illawarra got me hooked. The chance to contribute to our nation’s defence from working on a multi‑million dollar helicopter was exciting. The first time I lifted a bolt on a Sikorsky platform with zero prior experience, I felt a rush of pride.

My first day was a whirlwind of new faces and a lot of names—but everyone was welcoming. The team’s open‑door culture meant I could ask any question, proving that “silly questions” don’t exist here. Every shift follows the aircraft’s service cycle, but the learning never stops. I spend mornings reviewing diagnostic logs, afternoons installing and troubleshooting avionics, and evenings reflecting on how each part fits into the larger system.

Key takeaway: curiosity is the greatest tool. A junior apprentice can help sustain a multi‑million dollar machine. Reach out, ask, and let every bolt and wire be a stepping stone to mastery. My mantra in the workshop: “Ask, learn, repeat.” That’s why I’m drawn to Sikorsky Australia.

I was proudly born and raised in Nowra, and for longer than I can recall I always pause and watch the Defence helicopters fly across our horizon. After completing high school, I pursued a Certificate II in Aero Skills on a part‑time basis while working at Coles, which taught me precision, teamwork, and the value of diligent service.

My passion for helicopters comes from my Dad, a Navy veteran who spent years working on the Seahawk program. Growing up surrounded by helicopter photos and occasional visits to the base to see a Seahawk up close inspired me to pursue a career in helicopter sustainment.

When I discovered Sikorsky, the stars aligned: the company builds the Seahawks we all admire, the facilities are world‑class, and the generous four‑day work week gives us space to breathe while still contributing to a mission bigger than ourselves.

My first day—5:45 am, buzzing hangar, a quick team huddle, and a game of hacky‑sack that instantly made me feel part of the team—set the tone. Following the safety and security induction, throughout the week I move from polishing panels to assembling critical components and performing rigorous quality checks, guided by experienced engineers every step of the way.

Treat every part as a puzzle piece that fits into a grand picture, and view each teammate as an essential partner. Despite the demanding TAFE coursework, the sight of a fully assembled helicopter in flight proves that every effort and sacrifice is worthwhile. I remain driven by curiosity and commitment to contributing to a legacy that keeps Australia safe.

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