Aviation education and training

Cairns is fast becoming an aviation training centre of excellence. The Australasian Aviation Group – Cairns has amongst its members internationally-recognised aviation training providers.

The Cairns Aviation Skills Centre (CASC) is a purpose-built aviation training facility. The CASC’s training provider is Aviation Australia, the only EASA Part 147 and ISO 9001:2000-accredited Registered Training Organisation in Australia, now recognised as the leading aviation technical training provider in the Asia-Pacific region.

The Australian Helicopter Flying School is located in Cairns and provides quality pilot training at all levels. Fixed wing pilot training is provided by Barrier Aviation Pty Ltd and the North Queensland Aero Club, from ab initio to commercial licence, with both organisations having their own aircraft fleet and synthetic flight trainers.

Tertiary, Secondary and Vocational education

Education Queensland, through Cairns State High School in partnership with Aviation Australia, has developed a syllabus to introduce senior school students to the aviation industry.

James Cook University (JCU) is a multi-campus university with the main sites located at Cairns, Townsville and Singapore. JCU offers courses in a broad range of study areas and has a strong research focus, particularly in relation to the tropics. The University has consistently ranked in the world’s top 500 universities according to the Academic Ranking of World Universities — in 2010, the AWRU listed JCU in the top 400 in the world, in the top 70 in the Asia-Pacific region, and equal 10th among Australia’s 38 public universities.

The Tropical North Queensland Institute of TAFE is an award-winning provider of vocational education and training. The Institute offers a wide range of nationally and internationally-recognised training programs to Advanced Diploma level, plus a range of quality English Language programs through a dedicated Language Centre.