The IYMP has a clear structured career/ training plan where ongoing support, The IYMP Program is about providing opportunities for young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from rural and remote areas across Australia to gain access to training and/ or employment that will provide them with qualification guidance and mentoring are provided.

It is also about providing them with the living skills to be able to make a life for themselves independently. Novaskill and Aboriginal Hostels Limited are working together on a variety of relevant workshops/ programs for all IYMP participants.

Colin has been on the IYMP Programme since January 2007 and is currently undertaking an Aeroskills (Mechanical) Apprenticeship at BAE Williamtown Airport. Colin is working on his Training Plan for IYMP and will be identifying some options/ pathways on completion of his Apprenticeship.

Colin continues to live on his own and has been successful in becoming independent. The other IYMP participants commence on the Programme live at the IYMP Hostel at Newcastle. While Colin does not require this accommodation he regularly visits other participants and participates in the social/ sporting programmes organised for those on the Programme.

Novaskill aims to promote Colin’s success on the IYMP program and utilise his employment and training experiences as a great role model for other Indigenous people wanting to succeed in an Apprenticeship/ Traineeship. 

Through Novaskill’s commitment to Indigenous Employment the aim is to have more young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people successfully completing their Apprenticeships and Traineeships leading them to a pathway of opportunities.  

Colin Gray is following his dream to work and do well in an industry that has always interested him—aviation!

But 25 year old Colin has no ambition to be a pilot. He is happy to keep his feet planted firmly on the ground and help others to ‘take off’. Colin is doing maintenance on various state-of-the-art aircraft and aircraft systems including F18 Hornets and A27 Hawks as part of an aeroskills apprenticeship. It’s just what he loves doing—a far cry from his previous work in administration, tourism and horticulture. 

Originally from Cairns in Queensland, Colin moved to Newcastle in September 2006 looking for aviation work with Jetstar. Unfortunately, they were not recruiting at that time. Determined not to give up, Colin dropped off his resume at BAE Systems Australia, an aerospace and Defence Company at the Williamtown RAAF base in Newcastle. Within ten minutes of walking away Colin got the phone call that would finally start him on his career in aviation.

At his interview with BAE Systems Australia, Colin impressed them with his determination and commitment to the aviation industry. They knew he had what it takes to become part of the aeroskills mechanical team. And, with his willingness to learn as much as he can about aviation, Colin ‘landed’ the job.

Colin’s apprenticeship gives him on-the-job experience and he is also doing the Certificate IV in Aeroskills (Mechanical) at the TAFE College in Tamworth NSW to learn the theory.  He is quickly developing many new skills and greater confidence in his abilities.

Colin also gets along well with the other team members. He enjoys the variety of work and appreciates the opportunity to show his true capabilities.

Colin’s family is very proud of his achievements. With his good work ethic, hard work and determination, he is well on the way to fulfilling his dream of becoming a qualified aeroskills mechanic.

Colin has just recently purchased a house in the Newcastle area to continue with his success.