JNP Aviation Training

Hands-on learning took on a whole new meaning for our Engineering students recently!

As part of exploring the wider aviation environment, the group visited Airport Fire Safety and got the chance to take turns operating the water cannon on the airport fire truck. An experience that definitely made an impression!

From aircraft maintenance to emergency response, our students are gaining valuable insight into the many career pathways that keep aviation running safely and efficiently. Thanks to the Fire Safety team for sharing their knowledge and giving our students a memorable behind-the-scenes experience.!

Our June Young Women in Aeronautical Engineering programme for secondary school students (years 11-13) in the BOP is shaping up to be something special!

We're thrilled to welcome four incredible guest speakers who will share their unique career journeys and provide students with authentic insight into the many pathways available within aviation and aerospace.

Students will hear from:
🔹 Nikki Sutherland, People & Talent Advisor at Salus Aviation
🔹 Katrine Amiria, 2nd Year Aeronautical Engineering Apprentice at Salus Aviation
🔹 Bernice Hintz, Licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineer & Pilot
🔹 Keshika Warnakula, Senior Flight Dynamics Engineer at SYOS Aerospace and 2025 Aerospace & Defence Rising Star Award winner

From recruitment and apprenticeships to aircraft maintenance and aerospace engineering, our students will gain firsthand insight into what it takes to build a successful career in this exciting industry.

Most importantly, they'll have the opportunity to ask questions, make connections, and hear real stories from women who have forged their own paths in aviation and engineering.

A huge thank you to our guest speakers for helping inspire the next generation and showing our students that there is a place for them in this industry.

AND - we still have a few spots available! So reach out if you (or someone you know) would like to join us! [email protected]

Classic Flyers NZ

Another awesome experience for our Intro to Aeronautical Engineering Cohort as they visited the Tauranga Airport Fire Station!

Experiences like these help students discover the wider aviation environment and the many career pathways that keep airports operating safely every day. From engineering and maintenance through to emergency response and airside operations, it’s all connected.

Big thanks to the Fire Safety team for sharing their knowledge and giving our students such a great hands-on experience

What an awesome way to wrap up our Rotorua cohort of Take Off - Aviation Ground Handling!

On their final day together they focused on teamwork, communication, body language, and public speaking — with each student preparing and delivering their own 1-minute speech to the class.

Our Instructor said it was incredible to see just how much confidence had grown from Week One through to Week Ten. Watching students stand up and speak in front of the group with confidence, passion, and pride was a real highlight for him.

The speeches covered everything from personal aircraft ownership, to badminton, to reflections on how much the course has helped with personal growth and self-confidence. Every student brought their own personality and story to the room, and it was absolutely amazing to witness.

A huge congratulations to our Rotorua students — we are so proud of how far you’ve come and can’t wait to see where your journey takes you next.

airport Rotorua Airport

Awesome day of training for our WHK Take Off cohort this week!

The students had the opportunity to chat with the pilots of a Cessna 172 and even help push the aircraft back onto the parking stand. The pilots took the time to explain the function of the cockpit instruments, along with the importance of carrying out fuel checks after every flight and what to look out for during inspections.

They were also lucky to spend time with the crew from Christchurch Helicopters after they flew in on their EC120 helicopter. The team shared insights into the work they are currently doing using high-tech lidar cameras to map and video river beds. The students were amazed to learn that the two cameras onboard were worth more than the helicopter itself! The crew also walked everyone around the aircraft, explaining the different components and systems.

To finish the day, the students continued developing their radio communication skills. Using a hands-on simulation, two students acted as different control towers while the others played the role of aircraft. This approach creates a realistic working environment where clear communication and situational awareness are essential skills.

Another fantastic day of learning, industry exposure, and building confidence in aviation pathways for our WHK students!

We now have our next Intake open for Year 11-13 students in Whakatāne - if you'd like to know more or reserve a spot email [email protected].
Starts 24th June!

This is our TRG Take Off students showcasing everything they’ve learnt...

This week these students were challenged to successfully and safely complete the full ground handling process, putting into practice all of the skills they have developed over the past couple of months. Communication, baggage make-up, aircraft loading, weight and balance, flight safety, and Dangerous Goods all formed part of the exercise.

It was awesome to see the students working together with confidence, professionalism, and teamwork while applying their learning!

Recently our Whakatane cohort from Rangitaiki College had the incredible opportunity to hop onboard the SAAB 340A and hear firsthand from Captain Craig “Ako Steelo” Steel about his aviation journey. With over 40 years of commercial flying experience, Craig shared stories from his career, insights into the industry, and advice for students looking at pathways into aviation.

A special connection for the day was that our CEO Josh (and this cohorts Instructor!) has known Craig for more than 20 years, dating back to when Josh first started with Air New Zealand - and even better, Craig is also a local neighbour from Edgecumbe, showing our students that big aviation careers can start right there in their own community!

To wrap up the day, students completed their Dangerous Goods assessments, continuing to build their industry knowledge and practical skills.

Awesome mahi from the WHK crew today — experiences like these are what TAKE OFF is all about! ✈️🔥

Another awesome day for our Intro to Aeronautical Engineering students, getting hands-on industry insight from resident LAME at Classic Flyers, Bruce Campbell.

Today our students learnt about the annual maintenance checks carried out on Classic Flyers' Stearman aircraft, including the detailed check sheets and compliance requirements needed because the aircraft is used for adventure flights.

Experiences like this give our students real-world exposure to the standards, safety, and attention to detail required in the aeronautical engineering industry - helping them connect classroom learning with authentic aviation practice.

2nd Intakes for our micro-credential in Aeronautical Engineering are now open - commencing 24th June (for Young Women only) and 25th June (open to all).

Talk to your Careers Advisor or Gateway coordinator today - explore Aeronautical Engineering with us!

Our Tauranga cohort of Take Off in action this past week... 👏✈️

These students from Tauranga Boys College put in some great mahi in our ADAPT suite, where they used VR technology to practise air-ground radio communication as "ground staff" communicating with the pilot, as well as sharpen their aircraft marshalling skills in a virtual (yet safe!) training environment and guiding a plane in. Both different but equally important communication methods.

From there, it was time test their knowledge & learning with their baggage trolley assessments.

It’s been fantastic to see the students growing in confidence, supporting each other, and stepping up to every challenge. Hands-on training like this is all about preparing them for real opportunities in the aviation industry.

Well done team Tauranga — keep up the great work! 💪🙌