If you love working with state-of-the-art technology, are curious about how things work and are good at solving problems then you might be suited to a career in aviation.
Aviation is an exciting global industry that gives you the chance to travel the world, work with innovative technology and earn a high income.
We spoke to Danny Nguyen, an international alumni student who studied aviation in Australia, all about his aviation studies and what his career looks like today.
Deciding to study aviation
Danny is originally from Vietnam and before pursuing a career in aviation, he studied and then worked in the accounting and auditing industry there. However, after several years of working in this role, Danny realised that he wasn’t suited to the work and decided to change career paths.
Having always been interested in the aviation industry, Danny decided to look into aviation courses and came across Aviation Australia’s Aircraft Maintenance Engineering course.
“The reason I chose the course is because I love mechanics and aviation.”
After he applied for the course, Danny received a financial scholarship to put towards his studies with Aviation Australia and moved to Australia to study there in 2017.
Studying aviation
Danny really enjoyed the two years that he spent studying in Australia and believes that he got more than just aviation training out of the experience.
“Aviation Australia didn’t just teach me about aviation and aircraft, but they supported me as an international student.”
Along with the support that he received, Danny also enjoyed learning practical skills in state-of-the-art facilities.
“I found out that Aviation Australia had a lot of great facilities and classrooms to learn in. I really liked the helicopter hangar and the fact I could work directly on the aircraft. I really liked working with real tools, having access to real maintenance databases and learning other stuff while doing hands-on work.”
Building a global aviation career
After graduating from Aviation Australia, Danny moved back home to Vietnam and applied for a job in the Vietnamese aviation industry. He was accepted and now works as a Mechanic and Technician with Vietnam Airlines Engineering Company (VAECO), which is a subsidiary of Vietnam Airlines (VNA).
“When I provided them (VAECO) with the proof of graduation [from Aviation Australia], they said it was better than a qualification from Vietnam.”
While Danny took his skills back home to Vietnam, he says that there are many other opportunities around the world for aviation graduates.
“I think that the aviation industry is still quite new in Asia compared to Europe or Australia or America, and [aviation graduates] will find many opportunities in all of these locations,” he shares.
Transferable skills
Danny still uses many of the skills that he gained during his studies in Australia in his career today. He believes that one of the most important of these skills was teamwork.
“When I was at Aviation Australia, they taught us how to work as a team. Before that, when I was still at university, I did projects on my own. Then I came to Australia and the instructor said it’s good for you to work as a team member. I thought, ‘Wow, I haven’t ever worked as part of a team before,’ and I still think that working with a team is the best way to work in aviation,” Danny explains. “I learn a lot from other team members and it’s good for everyone.”
Advice for future aviation students
According to Danny, the best way to prepare for a career in the aviation industry is to improve your English skills.
“This is because English is the only language that they use in aviation,” Danny explains, adding, “You also have to gain the knowledge before trying things on an aircraft. You can’t simply guess or suppose. That’s why it’s so important to get qualified.”
