A new Perth-based organisation, Sky Careers has been launched to promote careers in the aviation industry, particularly to female students.

Sky Careers was launched at last week’s Perth Careers Expo following the award of a grant from the Federal Government’s Women in the Aviation Industry Initiative. The organisation is initially focusing on educating high school students in Western Australia and the Northern Territory on career opportunities in the sector.

“There are so many jobs in aviation, but people, especially girls, don’t know what’s available,” says Sue-anne Munckton, director and project lead at Sky Careers and CEO of Perth-based aviation training and consultancy company Civil Aviation Academy. Munckton herself has had a 30-plus year career in aviation, including as a flying instructor, technical writer for the Civil Aviation Safety Authority and aviation lecturer.

“Sky Careers will serve as a platform to educate and inspire students from all backgrounds, encouraging them to consider aviation as a viable career path. Our primary objective is to provide comprehensive information and support to enable informed decision-making, ensuring that every student can explore the exciting possibilities within the aviation industry,” Munckton says.

The Sky Careers website features more than 20 interviews with “real women in aviation”, including those working at airlines, airports, helicopter operators, drone operators, aircraft maintenance organisations, aeromedical companies and air traffic control providers in a raft of roles including operations, engineering and safety.

Sky Careers is participating at career expos and engaging with high school career counsellors to promote the multitude of opportunities available. The organisation will also run roadshows, focused on rural and remote regions of WA and the NT, providing opportunities for students to interact with women employed in the sector, highlighting the pathways available.

“We aim to break down barriers and stereotypes, empowering students to explore their passions and pursue fulfilling careers in aviation. By fostering inclusivity and accessibility, we hope to cultivate a new generation of aviation professionals who reflect the rich diversity of our society,” Munckton says.

The launch comes as the aviation industry faces a global skills shortage and continued gender imbalance. According to the Australian Government’s Workplace Gender Equality Agency, in 2022/23 female representation in Australia’s air and space transport sector included just 4 per cent of technicians and trade workers, and 36 per cent of air traffic professionals, including pilots and air traffic controllers. Women make up 20 per cent of key management personnel, 12 per cent of CEOs and 18 per cent of board members in the sector.

The Women in the Aviation Industry Initiative, which was launched in 2019 and is funded until June 2026, aims to encourage women to enter and remain in the aviation industry. Last September, the government released a strategic action plan aimed at addressing the gender imbalance and skills shortage.

More information: https://skycareers.com.au/