6 hours Ago By Lisa Rockman, Jessica Brown
MANY children grow up playing with toy planes, dreaming of a job one day working at a secure aerospace hub with jets that have names like F-35 Lightning II and Hawk Lead-In Fighter. Login or signup to continue reading This year that dream has come to fruition for a team of 19 aircraft maintenance engineer (AME) apprentices who have begun their career journey at TAFE NSW Tighes Hill. The team will move into the BAE Systems' Williamtown Aerospace facility and RAAF Base Williamtown and are part of the wider intake of more than 260 graduates, apprentices and interns recruited across the business' Australian operations in 2025.
"It has always been a lifelong ambition to work in aviation. I have had a passion for aircraft and the aviation industry for as long as I can remember," apprentice David said. "I decided that now is the right time to pursue this dream while I am still young enough to make a career change.
It just felt like the right moment to follow something I have always loved. "BAE Systems Australia stood out to me for a few important reasons. There is a personal connection as my grandfather also worked for the company, which inspired me to take the leap.
"On top of that, the location in Williamtown made it the perfect choice for me." David, whose last name has been omitted due to security reasons, will train to become a structural aircraft maintenance engineer. Each apprentice specialises in either a mechanical, structural or avionics trade over their four years of training.
Qualified AMES work across RAAF bases, at the BAE Systems Aerospace precinct at Williamtown or are embedded in RAAF squadrons nationwide to provide air vehicle support services. "I already feel like I am part of something special - all of the apprentices get along really well and there is a strong sense of teamwork," David said. "For those of us who are older apprentices, returning to a learning environment has been a bit of a challenge, but we all help each other out, especially with the TAFE studies.
"I'm looking forward to the next four years and the chance to work on and maintain the most advanced fighter aircraft in the world, the F-35 Lightning II. It is an incredible opportunity and one that I don't take for granted." Young Street Hotel at Carrington has a new owner.
Four years after taking control of the popular pub Luke Tilse has handed the keys over to Emily Box. "She's got massive amounts of experience in the hospitality industry and has been running the venue for us over the last eight months," Mr Tilse said. "You might know her from the Maryville Tavern or The Junction Inn at Raymond Terrace.
" Ms Box won the Australian Hotel Association NSW - Newcastle Hunter's inaugural Women's Scholarship in 2023 when she was general manager of the Maryville Hotel. "I'm so excited for Luke and Lou to have more time to spend with the family," she said. "All I've ever done is work in hospitality and this has always been my dream, and now it's becoming a reality.
" Mr Tilse and his wife Louise bought Young Street Hotel in 2020, opening the doors in December of that year. Chef Scott Webster had previously used the building as a restaurant, Carrington Place. He immediately made several major changes at the venue, including adding a green-filled courtyard with shaded picnic tables and a five-metre communal table built by his cousins.
"I'm really proud that we were able to set this back up as a pub," Mr Tilse said. He also owns The Happy Wombat on Newcastle's Hunter Street. "It's been four years of COVID then inflation and I just need some family time now, a bit of a relax, and Emily's here chomping at the bit to take over.
"I truly love this place, and always will. "Thanks to everyone who has had a schooner, or a meal. To the very special Carrington community that has embraced us since opening the doors, you're the absolute best.
A small country town in the middle of the city. You won't find a better community anywhere. Proper, good, humans.
" Newcastle Herald Newcastle Herald Jessica began her journalism career in 2009 as a cadet at The Port Stephens Examiner before moving to London for a two-year stint working in magazines and digital publishing. The Lake Macquarie local returned to Australia where she took up a reporting role at The Maitland Mercury. She worked across several rounds including local council, police and property before moving into digital journalism and joining the team at The Newcastle Herald in 2017.
Jessica began her journalism career in 2009 as a cadet at The Port Stephens Examiner before moving to London for a two-year stint working in magazines and digital publishing. The Lake Macquarie local returned to Australia where she took up a reporting role at The Maitland Mercury. She worked across several rounds including local council, police and property before moving into digital journalism and joining the team at The Newcastle Herald in 2017.
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