Leidos aviation scholarship takes off with RMIT Aviation Academy

Leidos aviation scholarship takes off with RMIT Aviation Academy

Leidos Australia and RMIT University have launched a new aviation scholarship that will support budding pilots to complete their studies and commence their flying career.

Through RMIT’s Aviation Academy, Leidos is providing $120,000 worth of scholarship funding which will be available to final year students completing a degree in Aviation at RMIT.

RMIT Aviation Academy Director Lea Vesic said the Aviation Academy was thrilled to be partnering with Leidos, to help new pilots launch their aviation careers.

“The Aviation Green Paper released last year highlighted the challenges the Australian aviation industry is facing with skills shortages in the sector, and the critical demand for skilled pilots over the next 20 years. 

“As a national leader in aviation education and with the largest university owned aviation fleet in the country, the RMIT Aviation Academy is well placed to respond to these challenges and will play a critical role in training the next generation of aviators.

“Partnerships like this are critical not only for supporting new pilots to enter the workforce but to make sure they develop the skills and can obtain the practical experience required to ensure they are job ready. 

“The scholarship funding from Leidos includes support for recipients to complete additional training, focusing on the specialised pilot skills Leidos requires for its unique and diverse operations, meaning students conclude their training ready for a career in special mission flying,” Ms Vesic concluded.

The aviation scholarship builds on Leidos and RMIT’s existing relationship and sets up a runway for further opportunities for collaboration. 

A man and a women shaking hands with planes in the background This partnership will support budding pilots in starting their flying careers. (L-R: James Woodhams and Lea Vesic)

Leidos Airborne Solutions Vice President James Woodhams said Leidos was committed to supporting future workforce development in a sector facing a significant skills shortage.  

“We know that there are high barriers to entry to becoming a pilot, including the cost associated with flight training. We want to provide students with not only financial support, but with opportunities to learn about the flying experiences available to them beyond airline careers.

“We do very specialist flying to save lives and protect national interests, and we want to contribute to building the skills required for these missions.”

19 February 2024

Share

19 February 2024

Share

  • Aerospace & Aviation
  • STEM
Engage

Related News

hammersmith-fulham-thumbnail.jpg

RMIT partners with London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham to boost cross-border tech innovation

The new agreement will connect the White City and Melbourne Innovation Districts to create new opportunities and strengthen economic growth.

Future Europe Series France.jpg

Future Europe Series: Latest report aims to support French investment in Victoria

The latest report out of the Future Europe Series delivered by RMIT Europe and the State of Victoria’s European Trade and Investment office, has made recommendations in skills and talent, innovation and digitalisation for French companies investing in Victoria, Australia.

L-R: Ajmal Abdul Azees and Preetham Akula

Aerospace student named Victoria's most entrepreneurial at international education awards

Aerospace engineering student Preetham Akula has won the new entrepreneurship category at the Victorian International Education Awards 2024.

Louise Byrne holding award

Living expertise: pioneering RMIT academic awarded mental health’s highest honour

Dr. Louise Byrne, Senior Vice-Chancellor's Research Fellow in the School of Management (SoM), was last month awarded the highest accolade in mental health, the Australian Mental Health Prize (Lived Experience).

Show more
aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

More information