WSI’s first aviation scholarships given to Western Sydney students

written by Staff reporter | May 21, 2026

Recipients of WSI’s inaugural Soaring Scholarship. (Image: WSI)

Western Sydney International Airport (WSI) has awarded scholarships to primary and secondary school students across the Western Sydney region.

The inaugural Soaring Scholarships have been granted to students from 18 schools in the Blacktown, Blue Mountains, Camden, Liverpool, Penrith and Wollondilly areas.

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WSI says the scholarships will “support a diverse range of aviation-related educational activities including introductory flying lessons, industry certifications, aerospace and engineering projects, STEM workshops, flight simulations, drone operations, and supply chain and logistics programs”.

“Some students will undertake an Introduction to Aviation micro-credential delivered by Western Sydney University in partnership with WSI. This aviation credential has been designed to support students in preparing for jobs at WSI,” the airport said in a press release.

“Several schools will use the funding to deliver peer-led STEM education initiatives and aviation projects, including aeronautical design challenges and a STEM careers day.

 
 

“The Soaring Scholarships program forms part of WSI’s broader commitment to education, skills and workforce development across Western Sydney, complementing initiatives including the First Nations Taking Off school to work program, industry immersion experiences and partnerships with education providers including Western Sydney University.”

WSI chief executive Simon Hickey hailed the strong response to the program, saying it shows the “enthusiasm and talent across Western Sydney schools”.

“The quality of applications for our Soaring Scholarships program demonstrates the enormous interest in Western Sydney to pursue opportunities in STEM and aviation,” he said.

“These scholarships are about helping students build confidence, skills and real-world experience, while opening doors to the many career pathways that will continue to flourish over the decades ahead.

“We will need a highly skilled local workforce to take up the approximately 8,500 jobs that are forecast across the precinct as we grow to serve up to 10 million passengers each year in the 2030s.

“We’re proud to support students from a wide range of backgrounds and communities as they take meaningful steps towards careers in aviation, engineering, logistics, technology and other future focused industries.”

Recipient schools include Erskine Park High School, Seven Hills High School, and Caroline Chisholm College, as well as students from schools including Blaxland High School, The Ponds High School, and Quakers Hill High School.

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