19 July 2006

Free Skills Training for South East Queensland Aviation Industry

Small Business Minister Chris Cummins is encouraging businesses and individuals working in the aviation sector in the south east of the state to attend 3 free training programs.

Mr Cummins said the Beattie Government was funding the free training, delivered by the Australian Institute of Management, to help local aviation businesses take advantage of the state's growing aviation and aerospace industry.

The training will be conducted from 8am to 5pm at AIM offices on the corner of Boundary and Rosa Streets, Spring Hill, as follows:

• Budgeting and Financial Management (two days) - 27 & 28 July 2006
• Managing People and Performance (one day) - 29 August 2006
• Strategic Business Marketing (two days) 5-6 October

Mr Cummins said the aviation industry in Brisbane had many small businesses; both in the general aviation sector based mainly at Archerfield and supporting larger aviation businesses and airlines at Brisbane Airport, as well as aerospace firms at Amberley.

"They provide a wide range of products and services including: pilot and engineer training; engine and airframe maintenance; avionics repair; precision engineering services; aircraft painting and interior refurbishment; and, supply of repair parts and accessories," he said.

"On the Gold Coast, the industry is focussed around the airport. More than 20 Gold Coast companies provide a range of products and services from avionics, electrical instrumentation, aircraft maintenance and aviation support and catering to pilot training and rescue services.

"The Sunshine Coast aviation industry is largely collected around the Sunshine Coast Airport at Maroochydore and the Caloundra Aerodrome.

"The small businesses associated with the industry in the region are focused on ground handling services, mechanical design and maintenance, transport, tourist and charter operations and passenger services and training systems, including pilot training and engineering."

Mr Cummins said the Strategic Business Marketing training would also be offered on the Sunshine Coast, at Caloundra, on the 19^th and 20^th October, at The Sebel at Maroochydore.

"Since coming to office in 1998, the Beattie Government has helped generate 6,000 new jobs in the aviation sector," Mr Cummins said.

"We've put a lot of effort into attracting major aviation industry companies to Queensland and the Premier recently announced $6.5 million funding to ensure continued growth of the sector. He also announced Brisbane's selection as host of the 2006 Asia Pacific Aviation Summit from July 26-28.

"We are now a key centre for defence aerospace support, research and development, as well as aviation training and maintenance. With major companies coming here, a growing defence aviation presence and more scheduled air routes to Queensland, there are plenty of opportunities for local small and medium-sized businesses."

To enrol for the free training, please contact Sarah MacDonald on 07 3227 4867.

Media Contact: 3224 6784, 0418 199 822