Nyssa

Aircraft Maintenance Engineer - Avionics

"I really enjoy the work that I do and the people I work with"

Hi, my name is Nyssa, and I am an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer – Avionics at BAE Systems, Williamtown. My job involves servicing, maintaining and upgrading the RAAF's HAWK Lead in Fighter.

After Year 12, I went straight to Uni to study Radiation Therapy. Six months and one work placement later, I decided it wasn't the job for me, that I would leave Uni and try to get into the Army as a Pilot.

I went through the long process of entering the Army, which took 18months, just to be told to come back in another 12 months. I was not prepared to wait around another 12 months before starting my career so I researched other avenues.

I decided to apply for a position as an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer Avionics with the Army and was successful. At the same time BAE Williamtown advertised an apprenticeship. Having grown up in Newcastle, and with all my family and friends here, I decided to stay and pursue my career with BAE Systems.

During the 3 and half years of my apprenticeship I was awarded 'Trainee of the Year' (NSW Training Awards) and just recently won 3rd Year 'Apprentice of the Year' at BAE Systems Apprentice Awards. I have had the opportunity to travel to the Avalon Air Show and represent the company, and carried out many Career Days in the Hunter area. I really enjoy the work that I do and the people I work with.

I have just finished my apprenticeship (7 months early), and have now started my degree in Electrical Engineering at Newcastle University with BAE Systems supporting me throughout my degree. This is one of the best things about my job; the opportunity to further your education in any area within the company.

For me doing my apprenticeship first was the best experience. You are able to learn quickly as you have the hands on training as well as the theory, and the best thing is you get paid while you are doing it. I believe having done my apprenticeship first has given me a better understanding of engineering which will help me complete my degree.