Aerospace Training Services - proudly Shoalhaven
Nowra’s family-owned Aerospace Training Services has helped hundreds of young people achieve their aviation dreams.
Whether it be as an aircraft engineer or a cabin crew member, Aerospace Training Services (ATS) graduates can now be found working for major airlines, in the Defence forces or in other aviation support careers.
The Shoalhaven was a natural base for operations when Ken Mitchell and partner, Therese, established ATS in 1996. Ken had retired after 20 years with the Australian Navy and said it made a lot of sense to set up business among the strong aviation fraternity in the Shoalhaven.
ATS is an integral part of that fraternity and has strong links with the Shoalhaven Defence Industry Group, which was formed as a networking organisation, as well as attracting new defence contractors, business, investment and jobs to the Shoalhaven.
“The community we work with is predominantly in aviation, centred around the Nowra area working in support of the Navy base at HMAS Albatross. We support those organisations that support Albatross,” Ken said.
ATS also provides corporate support and training for the aircraft maintenance teams at the Historical Aircraft Restoration Society (HARS) and ''Skydive The Beach'' at the Illawarra Regional Airport.
The company is a Civil Aviation and Safety Authority (CASA) accredited training school and boasts clients including Qantas, Jetstar, Virgin and Regional Airlines, as well as smaller corporate jet operations and private companies.
ATS offers training from pre-apprenticeship level through to aircraft-specific type courses. Students can study for Aeroskills Certificate II, through to Diploma level in Mechanical and Avionics, and Aviation Certificate III, which is flight attendant training.
ATS has extended its training reach around Australia and South-East Asia, and has plans to move further into Thailand and the Middle East.
ATS is dedicated to providing aviation training to young people through its innovative HSC programs, aviation traineeships and apprenticeships. It offers aircraft-specific training on-site, delivered on employers’ sites, or through webinars and distance education training.
Many graduates remain in the Shoalhaven working for defence support companies such as Boeing, Sikorsky, Air Affairs and Raytheon.
“We’re the only Registered Training Organisation offering aeroskills and cabin crew training in Years 11 and 12,” Ken said.
“We have a strong passion for getting young folk into the industry and opening up opportunities for them to get into aviation, the earlier the better. Getting young people into work starts in high school.
“We provide solid training so young people are job ready, skill ready and are heads and shoulders above the competition when they graduate.”
The HSC Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses in aircraft engineering and for cabin crew are held both at the ATS facilities at Nowra and at the HARS Museum.
Ken says the Shoalhaven is a fantastic base for business and paid tribute to the support offered by Shoalhaven City Council and the Defence Industry Group.
“It’s a fantastic environment in which to live and to raise a family, away from the city rush. All the services that major cities have, you have here - there is nothing missing.
“It’s an excellent environment for business development, Shoalhaven City Council offers tremendous support, and we have terrific infrastructure and facilities in the region.
“I always love coming home after being away.”
Contact: Ken Mitchell
Phone: +61 2 4421 0878
Email: info@aerots.com.au
Website: www.aerots.com.au
