Apprentice Aircraft Maintenance Engineer

Apprentice Aircraft Maintenance Engineer

510019

Sydney, NSW, Australia

Full-Time (Permanent)

Closing on: Jul 27 2026

Aircraft Maintenance Apprenticeship Program 2027

Sydney Airport

Build the future of aviation with Virgin Australia.

We’re proud and excited to kick off our 2027 Aircraft Maintenance Apprenticeship Program. With new aircraft joining our fleet, our partnership with Qatar Airways, and our listing on the ASX, the future is bright - and we want you to be part of it.

About the Program

Over four years, you'll complete a nationally recognised Aircraft Maintenance Engineering qualification while gaining real-world experience with one of Australia's leading airline engineering teams.

Working within our CASA Part 145 approved maintenance organisation, you'll learn from experienced Aircraft Maintenance Engineers and Licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineers who'll support your development every step of the way.

From day one, you'll be working on our Boeing 737 fleet while developing the technical skills, confidence and experience needed for a rewarding career in aviation engineering.

You'll rotate across key maintenance areas, gaining exposure to line maintenance, overnight maintenance and scheduled aircraft servicing in a safety-first environment.

Positions are available in the following disciplines:

Mechanical

As an Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Apprentice (Mechanical), you'll inspect, troubleshoot, maintain and repair the mechanical systems that keep our aircraft operating safely and reliably.

This includes:

Aircraft engine systems

Aircraft structures

Landing gear, wheels and brakes

Hydraulic and pneumatic systems

Flight control systems

Environmental control systems

Avionics

As an Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Apprentice (Avionics), you'll inspect, troubleshoot, maintain and repair the electronic systems that power modern aircraft.

This includes:

Electrical power systems

Aircraft instrument systems

Autopilot systems

Navigation systems

Communication systems

In-flight entertainment and onboard connectivity

As part of this exciting apprenticeship, you'll have the opportunity to gain experience across multiple Virgin Australia Engineering locations. Avionics apprentices will be based in Brisbane, and Mechanical apprentices in Melbourne for approximately the first three years, before completing the final year of the program in Sydney. Applicants must be willing and able to relocate throughout the apprenticeship.

What we're looking for

We're looking for people who have an interest in aviation and excited by the opportunity to build a long-term career in engineering.

You'll thrive if you're someone who enjoys working with your hands, solving technical problems and takes pride in producing quality work.

To be successful, you'll have

A genuine interest in aviation and engineering

An interest and aptitude for mechanical or electrical work

Strong attention to detail and analytical thinking

A commitment to safety and teamwork

Great communication skills and a willingness to learn

Minimum Year 10 completion

Australian Citizenship or Permanent Residency

A current Australian driver's licence (Provisional or above)

Be at least 18 years of age

The ability to pass a pre-employment medical and background checks

Availability to commence in January 2027 (anticipated start: 11 January 2027)

Working with us

Our apprentices work a rotating 24/7 roster, including overnight shifts, weekends and public holidays. Throughout much of the apprenticeship, you'll work predominantly night shift on a 4-on, 4-off roster, gaining valuable experience maintaining aircraft while they're on the ground and preparing them for the next day's flying schedule.

Why Virgin Australia?

At Virgin Australia, you'll do more than complete an apprenticeship - you'll build a career with an airline that's investing in its people and its future.

As an apprentice, you'll enjoy:

Paid, hands-on training while earning a nationally recognised qualification

Mentoring and support from experienced engineering professionals

Career pathways beyond your apprenticeship across Engineering and the broader Virgin Australia Group

Access to heavily discounted flights for you, your family and friends across the Virgin Australia network and partner airlines

Annual Virgin Australia travel benefits

Discounts on travel, accommodation, car hire, retail, insurance and more

A supportive, inclusive culture where everyone belongs

The opportunity to work with cutting-edge aircraft and technologies as our fleet continues to grow

When everyone is included, everyone wins

We’re all individuals. And we love that. That’s why we encourage applications from Indigenous Australians, people with disability, those from diverse cultural backgrounds, our friends in the LGBTQIA+ community, and anyone else who wants to join our family.

Ready to launch your career?

If you're ready to learn from the best, work on world-class aircraft and build a career you'll be proud of, we'd love to hear from you.

Applications for the 2027 Virgin Australia Aircraft Maintenance Apprenticeship Program are now open and close 27 July 2026.

Apply today and help us make flying better - together.