The aviation industry is exciting and fast-moving, offering a diverse range of career pathways. Here’s everything you need to know. 

With a myriad of human and technical specialist touchpoints from take-off to landing, including ground and flight operations and engineering, there’s more to aviation than being in the air. 

Approximately 22,000 people are directly employed in New Zealand’s aviation and airport services industry, up from 14,000 in 2023, with the sector contributing USD$14 billion (5.6%) to the nation’s GDP.

With plenty of opportunity for growth and career advancement, access to the highest-quality training, and the appeal of learning a specialised and sought-after trade, it’s an attractive and rewarding career choice for many. 

However, landing a job in aviation can be a problem. There’s high demand, tough competition and, as safety is of paramount importance on the ground and in the air, aviation law and regulations are strict. As a result, anyone working at airports and with aircraft must be appropriately trained, qualified, and supervised. 

Hands-on experience helps, as does a ready-made network of contacts, but these are hard to come by if you’re looking to get an entry-level position or starting your aviation career. Help is at hand. ServiceIQ’s aviation professional training programmes solve these problems and make career aspirations come true – to get a foot in the door, to progress, thanks to multiple training levels, and to upskill in your dream job.

Whether you’re just beginning, looking to try something new or want to get a head-start in the next phase for your aviation career, we have the right programme for you.

Many of our aviation programmes are completed on-the-job, tailored to the individual’s needs, are learnt at their own pace, and are flexible enough to fit around the business seamlessly. Participants get qualified as they work – managed and supervised by the very best in New Zealand aviation. 

ServiceIQ collaborates with internationally respected aviation businesses, including Air New Zealand. We develop and deliver NZQA-accredited aviation training qualifications for Air New Zealand employees to boost their skills and knowledge. 

We also offer support and resources for the broader aviation industry, including Airwork, a specialist aviation business provider that provides aircraft services, including engineering, heavy maintenance, and operations. 

Our entry-level and advanced engineering programmes will appeal to the technically minded – those who want to design, build, maintain, and repair aircraft and spacecraft, with plenty of opportunities to advance and acquire new skills throughout your career journey. The New Zealand Certificate in Aircraft Servicing – Level 3, for example, provides participants with the knowledge necessary to perform tasks such as replenishments, refuelling, ground handling, and pre- and post-flight checks on an aircraft flight line or ramp.
 
Ground operations encompass everything that happens on the ground, from cargo handling to customer service and security at airports, including the New Zealand Certificate in Aviation (Ground Handling) at Level 3. This qualification enables individuals to acquire the skills necessary for safely performing aviation ground handling operations in air cargo or ramp.
 
Flight operations programmes, such as the New Zealand Certificate in Aviation (Airline Check-in) – Level 3, are designed for individuals seeking to acquire the qualifications necessary to safely perform passenger-handling operations that comply with international aviation regulations and deliver an exceptional in-flight service experience. Roles include air traffic control, flight attendant and more.

In the highly-regulated sphere of aviation, on-the-job training needs to be delivered by experts. Our aviation programmes are led by world-class level supervisors who can offer immediate and top-level guidance. Training is focused on helping participants retain what they learn and then develop as they assume more responsibility. This kind of training also helps build confidence, improve communication, and foster teamwork as people of all ages, backgrounds and expertise come together.

Trainee? Career changer or school leaver? Get the industry and internationally recognised upskilling and qualifications that aviation employers know and value, with options to level up in many areas – qualifications to keep you motivated, inspired to accelerate your career now, and give you an advantage far into the future. 

Aviation is a dynamic career choice. Passion and perseverance can help you get off the ground. We can help you fly.

Explore aviation programmes that take you where you want to go, fast. ServiceIQ, the workplace training specialist for the hospitality, retail, tourism, aviation, travel, and museums sectors, New Zealand wide.