Leidos Australia first to award new national aircrew qualifications
ESSENDON, Australia (11 Aug. 2025) - Leidos Australia has become the first organisation to award nationally recognised qualifications for fixed-wing aircrew training, as an approved Registered Training Organisation. The newly created Certificates III and IV in Airborne Operations, driven by Leidos and released earlier this year by Industry Skills Australia, advance professional training standards in the aviation sector.
The new qualifications recognise the skills and professionalism of non-pilot aviation professionals who conduct highly specialised work for critical airborne missions, including search-and-rescue, medical evacuation, law enforcement and border protection. Aircrew roles may involve operating mission equipment and sensors, communications relay and dropping supplies from an aircraft to persons in distress over land or sea.
Having identified a critical gap in aviation qualifications two years ago, Leidos initiated discussions with Industry Skills Australia to address the issue. Formal release of the new qualifications follows over 18 months of national collaboration between industry, training providers, and regulators.
Leidos will issue these qualifications through its Registered Training Organisation, reinforcing its reputation as a premier employer and a leader in aviation training. This initiative also affirms the company’s commitment to investing in the development of highly skilled professionals to meet the evolving needs of government and industry partners.
Leidos Airborne Solutions Vice President James Woodhams said, “Aircrew play a critical role in national security and emergency response. Providing them with these formal credentials supports national recognition of their skill, professionalism, and dedication.
“These new qualifications promote aviation career pathways for the next generation – and provide a unique option for those wishing to pursue a career in airborne operations.".
Industry Skills Australia CEO Paul Walsh said, “Industry Skills Australia is pleased to see these new qualifications being delivered to aviation professionals who carry out specialised airborne missions, saving lives and safeguarding Australians. The development of these qualifications is an example of the way ISA works closely with aviation industry businesses, workers and training providers to understand their workforce needs and implement sustainable training solutions. We congratulate the cohort who have been awarded the qualification and wish them well in their future careers.”
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About Leidos
Leidos is an industry and technology leader serving government and commercial customers with smarter, more efficient digital and mission innovations. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, with 47,000 global employees, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $16.7 billion for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2025. For more information, visit www.Leidos.com.
