A Newcastle woman has been recognised for her dedication to her aviation studies at TAFE NSW, as the push continues to increase female participation in the aviation industry.

After more than a decade working for NSW Police on the Mid North Coast, Chloe O’Grady decided she wanted to make a career change into the aviation industry, beginning with a Certificate II in Aeroskills at TAFE NSW Newcastle.

Chloe’s results and dedication while completing her course were recognised when she was announced as the winner of the Newcastle Airport and Astra Aerolab Aviation Scholarship, through the Hunter TAFE Foundation. Valued at $2,500, this new Scholarship aims to nurture and grow local talent, helping provide the highly skilled aviation professionals needed to support the global industry.

Chloe’s move into the aviation comes as the Federal Government recently announced it is looking to partner with qualified and experienced suppliers to deliver projects in training, resources and professional development, as part of the Women in the Aviation Industry Initiative. Data from the Workplace Gender Equality Agency shows that in 2021–22 women represented between 4.1% and 21.1% of employees in roles in the aviation sector which have traditionally been dominated by men.

Chloe says it was a difficult transition after leaving the force, as she had dedicated so much of her life to her policing career. However, she felt TAFE NSW gave her the support she needed to begin her training in the aviation industry.

“I have big dreams, with my primary goal being to one day work for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service,” she said. 

“However, there is a set of smaller steps I need to take to achieve that, and my TAFE NSW course has helped me enter this industry, setting me up well for the future training I will need, to achieve this goal.

“When looking to enter the aviation industry, it really makes a difference if you have connections. My teachers have been so incredible, introducing me to important people and companies, to help me build these relationships and get my foot in the door.

“Through my studies, I have found my self confidence again. The course has helped me get back involved with my community and meet new people. My teachers have been an incredible support network, going above and beyond to ensure I succeed in this course – and understand the path I need to take, to get where I want to be.”

Chloe says the Newcastle Airport and Astra Aerolab Aviation Scholarship will help her continue to be engaged in her studies, through the financial relief it provides.

“Many of us a struggling with the cost of living at the moment, so this Scholarship goes a long way to taking the stress off financially, so I can stay focused on my goals.”

TAFE NSW has strong relationships with local industry stakeholders, including Newcastle Airport and Astra Aerolab, the donors for the Scholarship.

Newcastle Airport CEO Dr Peter Cock said the business is proud to support the scholarship to ensure locals have a pathway into the aviation and aerospace industries. 

“The scholarship ensures we have a pipeline of talented individuals like Chloe being trained for the jobs of the future. With the expansion of Newcastle Airport and development of Astra Aerolab, our defence and aerospace precinct, we are building the jobs of the future. 

“We’d like to congratulate Chloe on her achievement and wish her every success with her studies and career in aviation.”

President of the Hunter TAFE foundation Karen Howard said local partnerships are integral to the success of their initiatives.

“The Hunter TAFE Foundation is proud to partner with the Newcastle Airport and Astra Aerolab to nurture and grow local talent in the industry.”

TAFE NSW delivers a range of programs that encourage women to enter the aviation industry, including the joint program with RDA Hunter, Girls with a Mission, where female high school students from the Hunter region gather at the Aviation Skills Hub at TAFE NSW Newcastle, for workshops and career presentations from representatives in the industry.

Media contact: Lauren McAllister, TAFE NSW Communications Specialist, MediaRelease@tafensw.edu.au, 0432 929 941.