There is currently an alleged ‘skills shortage’ in Licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (LAME) in Australia, due to the industry’s failure to employ enough apprentices and provide opportunities for Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (AMEs) to progress.

To alleviate the shortage, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) have proposed for foreign LAMEs to work in Australia, who will not meet Australia’s skills standards.

This is concerning, not only in regard to the impact this may have on future training opportunities for Australian AMEs, but also for public safety.

The Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union (AMWU), the Australian Workers’ Union (AWU) and the Australian Licensed Aircraft Engineers Association (ALAEA) are undertaking a campaign in response, to combat these efforts by CASA to commence recognising foreign maintenance licenses.

There are many Australian AMEs who are not licensed, who would happily take up the opportunity to become licensed.

As part of the campaign, unions are distributing a survey amongst workers to identify those who are close to completing training, or have not yet had the opportunity to do so.

This is to demonstrate to CASA and Jobs and Skills Australia there is not actually a shortage; and if anything, there is a short training gap, for Australian workers to take the last few steps to become licensed.

If you are currently employed as an AME or a LAME in Australia, please complete this short survey regarding your experience and opportunities to attain a CASA Category B licence.

Responses will help your union as part of our current campaign to give Australian AMEs more opportunities and see more apprentices employed.