Aviation Engineering course ‘vital to preparing me for the industry’

Aviaion engineering graduate Caitlin Lumsden says the NMIT course was “vital” to her walking straight into a great job in an industry she’s passionate about.

Caitlin recently graduated with a New Zealand Diploma in Aeronautical Maintenance Certification (Level 6) and she already has a job with Christchurch company, Heli Maintenance.

“The NMIT course was vital to preparing me for the industry,” Caitlin says.

“Although we probably focused less on helicopters than fixed-wing aircraft at course, I was able to apply the skills I learnt at NMIT to my current job.”

Caitlin has always been passionate about aviation and had an interest in engineering, but she initially took a different path with her studies.

“I began studying vet nursing, hoping to end up as an equine physiotherapist eventually. I soon realised that being a vet nurse, although rewarding, was not the career for me, so I applied for NMIT.”

Caitlin started with the Certificate in Aeronautical Maintenance Engineering (Level 4) course in 2016 before securing an apprenticeship at Heli Maintenance.

She continued studying and completing her Civil Aviation Authority and Licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (LAME) exams while working at Heli Maintenance.

With an NMIT diploma and real-world work experience, she recently accepted a permanent job at Heli Maintenance as an engineer and senior safety manager.

“I am responsible for Safety Management Systems (SMS) within the company. SMS was a big focus at NMIT, which I overlooked at the time, but has proven very valuable, as it's given me a sound knowledge of how SMS works.”

Aviation engineers are in high-demand in New Zealand due to the growing tourism and agriculture sectors, which means there are plenty of opportunities for students and graduates.

NMIT’s Aviation Engineering programme is designed to provide you with all the skills and knowledge needed to kick-start a successful career in the industry.

The programme has an excellent reputation with engineers and employers in New Zealand and abroad.

Caitlin says working in the aviation industry is “never just a job, it’s a passion, a lifestyle”.

“Nearly everyone you meet is so passionate about everything they do.

“It’s an industry that requires you to be trustworthy, have a high level of integrity and a huge passion for the industry.”