The Western Sydney International Airport is going to be a massive employer, so it needs a large, trained workforce to operate successfully.

In a first for NSW, local high school students will soon be able to undertake an Aviation Certificate 1, to prepare them for work at the site.

The course will be run by TAFE NSW at the Seven Hills High School’s Vocational Innovation Centre and so far, students from eight nearby public schools have signed up.

Deputy principal, Andrew Kerr, said this was a game changer for the area.

“It will transform aspirations into tangible employment opportunities for students right across Western Sydney,” Mr Kerr said.

“This isn’t just a course – it’s a launch pad for young people to explore careers that will contribute to Australia’s most vital industries.”

The course will teach year 9 and 10 students a number of aviation related subjects including safety and security procedures, baggage handling and radio operations.

At the launch of the program, Matthew Duffy, the Chief Operating Officer of Western Sydney International Airport, said the course was vital to the airport’s success.

“We’ve got about 40 people working in our team at the moment and that will grow into the hundreds over the next 18 months, and into the thousands over the next few years,” he said.

“So, the jobs and opportunities are there and for the young people here today, you guys are the future. Without you doing the course, we won’t have the skills and the capabilities we need to grow the airport.”

Year 10 Riverstone High School student Allesandra Dimaandal is one of those students.

“I feel so lucky to have this opportunity through our school to do such an amazing course,” she said.

“Whether we pursue a career in aviation or not, it’ll be such a great experience and what we learn can apply to other areas of work.”

Macey Howarth, from Quakers Hill High, can’t wait to get started.

“I’m so looking forward to learning about all the things that make air travel possible,” she said.

“It’s so cool to think about having an airport only half an hour away from where we live and all the possible career opportunities there.”