20 November 2025: McDermott Aviation, Australia’s largest privately owned heli-aviation operator, will this month open its hangar doors to a select group of young Queenslanders as part of a strategic recruitment effort designed to address the national shortage of aircraft engineers.
With demand for aviation services increasing both domestically and internationally, McDermott Aviation is intensifying its focus on encouraging school leavers and early-career talent to consider aviation engineering as a long-term, secure and high-growth professional pathway.
Founder and President John McDermott said the engineering skills shortage remains the most significant constraint on industry growth and reinforced the need for proactive engagement with prospective talent.
“A shortage of qualified engineers remains the number one impediment to growth for our company and for the broader industry,” Mr McDermott said.
“We have the capacity to take on more work, expand our operations, and scale internationally, but without a strong engineering workforce behind us, that growth is limited.”
He said introducing young people to the sector – well before they make post-school decisions – is essential to strengthening the aviation talent pipeline.
“Our message to school leavers is simple – aviation engineering is a career with global mobility, job security, and significant opportunity. We want young people to see what this industry looks like up close, meet the people who keep our fleet flying, and understand the pathways available to them. Aviation needs them more than ever.”
The careers event (which is now at capacity), taking place on Saturday 22 November, will provide registered attendees with direct access to McDermott Aviation’s engineering teams, operational facilities, and insights from apprentices and licensed engineers about their career journeys. More than 50 candidates and their families have already registered, highlighting strong interest in aviation-aligned career pathways.
Mr McDermott said hands-on exposure remains one of the most effective ways to inspire future recruits.
“Aviation engineering is highly technical, but it is also extremely rewarding. Once young people see the scale and sophistication of the work, they begin to understand the calibre of careers available to them. We need more of that awareness if Australia is to overcome this skills shortage.”
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About McDermott Aviation
McDermott Aviation, established in 1982 and headquartered on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, is Australia’s largest privately owned helicopter operator. With a fleet exceeding 50 helicopters, including the world’s largest collection of Bell 214 series aircraft, McDermott operates 15 Bell 214Bs and 14 Bell 214STs. McDermott Aviation (MCDAV) owns the Type Certificate for both the Bell 214B and 214ST series and is currently preparing to commence production of its modified Utility 214ST model.
The company specialises in aerial firefighting, heavy lifting, agricultural spraying, infrastructure support, emergency response, aerial application, tourism, and training. McDermott maintains bases across Australia and the Pacific, including in New South Wales, Western Australia, Papua New Guinea, and New Caledonia. Internationally, it has a strong operational presence in Greece and is expanding in North America through major maintenance facilities in Andalusia, Alabama, and the acquisition of Transwest Helicopters in Canada. McDermott delivers safe, reliable, and technically advanced aviation services domestically and abroad. For more information, visit www.mcdermottaviation.com.
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Jennifer Swaine | 0438952830 | jen@commspeople.au
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