A Father-Son Journey in Aircraft Maintenance at Qantas

When I found out that Brennan was set to join QantasLink as an Apprentice aircraft engineer, 30 years after I first began my own engineering career, I couldn't help but feel an overwhelming sense of pride. The idea of sharing my toolbox, and three decades of knowledge hits close to home when it’s your own son. 

I’m loving watching him, alongside all the other great apprentices, learn the job that has given me so much career satisfaction. The fact it’s for the same company means for a few years until I retire, I get a front row seat to watch him progress his own career. 

The best thing about working as the Regional Manager for Line and Base Maintenance at QantasLink is I go to work everyday with 360 great friends who work together to make sure the QantasLink operations run as seamlessly as possible. The aircraft have their own personalities which you get to know after a while, and we refer to them by their registration rather than their name. 

Meanwhile, I am still getting over the weirdness of Brennan calling me by my name at work instead of Dad, so maybe I need a registration number of my own!

- Trent, QantasLink Regional Manager Line & Base Maintenance 

Don’t tell Dad I said this, but spending my entire life being a part of the Aviation industry through him, and seeing his passion firsthand definitely inspired my own engineering dream. As a country lad from Cairns, understand first-hand the vital role QantasLink plays in connecting regional Australia. So, I wanted to do something that made a difference to people living in country regions, especially those living in remote areas who rely on flights for essential services like medical appointments and family visits. 

When I stumbled upon the opportunity to join QantasLink, I thought why not apply, I may get lucky enough to work alongside Dad! And now here I am after I joined the Qantas Group last month as an Apprentice B1/Structures Aircraft Mechanic.

My advice to aspiring aircraft engineers is to absolutely go for it. Taking care of aircraft every day makes getting out of bed and going to work something I really look forward to, even the early shifts, because as engineers we know that aeroplanes prefer to fly than sleep. Joining QantasLink isn't just a job – it's a chance to make a real difference while pursuing your passion. 

-Brennan, QantasLink Engineering Apprentice