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What can I do with my TAFE qualification? - Aviation

Please note: the information contained in this document was current as of January 2011. Refer to www.swinburne.edu.au/courses/ for the most recent updates. Please refer to the School of Aviation website www.tafe.swinburne.edu.au/aviation/ for further information in this area.

Industry Overview

Many graduates aspire to work as a pilot with a major international airline, drawn to the prestige, glamour and salaries commanded by these roles. While this is certainly a potential end goal, a career as a charter pilot, or commercial pilot with a regional airline is a more immediate pathway. Most employers will expect new pilots to have gained between 250 and 500 hours total experience. Pilots with a major airline can command high salaries; however, entry level wages are commensurate with the level of responsibilities initially held. Employment prospects within aviation are subject to economic fluctuations; however, overall the industry is poised for strong growth to 2014-15. Present employment prospects are good.

For further market and industry information relating to your discipline, please refer to:

Career prospects and job titles
Job Titles

Once a pilot’s licence has been obtained, there are a number of avenues available to seek employment within aviation. These include charter pilot, commercial pilot whether regional, domestic or international, scenic/joy flights, aerial surveillance, military and police air wing, emergency rescue operations (such as the Royal Flying Doctor service and Air Ambulance), fire spotting, flight controller, helicopter pilot, air transport professional or flight instructor. All these fields have their own requirements and rewards.

Aviation Programs at Swinburne TAFE

The Hawthorn campus and an external venue are the bases for Swinburne’s three TAFE level aviation courses. One of the most popular of these courses, the Advanced Diploma of Technology (Aviation) is designed for students looking to work as commercial pilots with major and regional airlines. There is the option for students to specialise in either Command Instrument Rating or Instructor Rating, which also incorporates the mandatory Certificate IV in Training and Assessment.

Students with these qualifications and the appropriate flying experience can progress to a career path as a light charter pilot, a flyer instructor or a pilot with a larger commercial airline. Pilots can perform the following tasks:

  • Prepare and submit flight plans giving consideration to factors such as weather conditions and aircraft performance.
  • Fly aircrafts in accordance with established air traffic control and aircraft operating procedures.
  • Provide flight information for flight crews and air traffic services staff.
  • Control aircraft movements, and direct aircraft taxiing, take-offs and landings by radio.
  • Provide pre-flight briefings and aeronautical information services.
  • Complete cockpit preparations and external inspections to determine that aircraft are acceptable for flight.
  • Monitor aircraft performance and report on mechanical condition.
  • Give in-flight instruction, supervise solo flights, accompany students on training flights and demonstrate techniques for controlling aircraft.
Further Education and Pathways What help does Swinburne Careers and Employment offer?
Career Services
  • Career Counselling for Students
  • Plan Skills Development
  • Career Seminars/Workshops for Students
  • Resume and Cover Letter Checks daily at Hawthorn 1:30pm-2:30pm, please refer to website for other campus days. Interview Practice daily at Hawthorn at 3:00pm sharp, please refer to website for other campus days.
SwinEmploy Employment Service
  • All job advertisements for graduate placements, casual, vacation, part-time and full-time employment
  • Links to employer websites
  • Enables students to book online for events such as workshops, employer information sessions and interviews
  • Access to Going Global (over 10,000 job vacancies listed across Europe, Asia-Pacific, UK and US. Global key employer directories, work permits and visa regulations, country-specific cultural, interviewing advice and more).
Job Search Resources
  • Addressing Selection Criteria
  • Assessment Centres
  • Cover Letters or Letters of Application
  • Curriculum Vitae or Resume
  • Employer Expectations of Graduates
  • Interviews - How to Plan, Prepare and Perform
  • Informational Interviewing
  • Job Hunting
  • Networking: What Is It and How Do You Do It?
  • Online Applications
  • Psychometric Tests
  • Skills and Attributes
  • Thinking About Changing Your Course?
  • Tips for facing the work environment and your first professional job

Careers and Employment often a range of free services to Swinburne students and graduates

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