Wellington Shire Council, Media Release, 23 March 2026
Students from across Wellington Shire have taken a hands-on step into the world of aviation, experiencing firsthand the career opportunities available right on their doorstep through an Aviation Taster Tour hosted by Wellington Shire Council.
Sixteen secondary school students from three Wellington schools took part in the tour on Tuesday 17 March, travelling between West Sale Airport and the Longford Heliport. Along the way, students gained rare access to working aviation environments and learned about the wide range of roles that keep the industry operating every day.
The tour included presentations and site visits with aviation operators Jet Aviation (part of Team 21) and Miltek Aviation, as well as engineers, operations and maintenance teams and pilots based at the ESSO Heliport. Together, they showcased both fixed-wing and rotary aviation operations and the varied pathways available within the sector.
Wellington Shire Council Mayor Cr Cindy Madeley said the Aviation Taster Tour reflects Council’s commitment to supporting future skills and workforce pathways for the region.
“Aviation is a significant industry for Wellington Shire, and initiatives like this help connect young people with the skills, roles and opportunities that exist right here,” Cr Madeley said. “This tour is an important early step toward building a broader AeroSkills program for our community.”
By placing students inside real aviation settings and connecting them directly with industry professionals, the tour highlighted the strength of Wellington Shire’s aviation sector and the career possibilities it offers for young people considering their future.
The initiative was delivered with support from Regional Development Victoria, Gippsland East Local Learning and Employment Network, Baw Baw and Latrobe Local Learning and Employment Network, and the Local Jobs Program.
