STEM & CAREERS DAY
FRIDAY 27 MARCH, 2026 | 10AM – 2PM
SCONE MEMORIAL AIRPORT, NSW
STEM & Careers Day at Warbirds Over Scone connects students in Years 7–12 with real people, real aircraft and real jobs in aviation and the wider STEM ecosystem. Across rotating activity zones, students will test ideas, talk to apprentices and engineers, and see how maths and science translate into exciting careers – from aircraft maintenance and aerodynamics to drones, data, and defence.
WHY SHOULD STUDENTS ATTEND?
- Be inspired and motivated to pursue a career in aviation and STEM through the opportunity to get up close to aviation professionals, aircraft and exposure to flying displays.
- Gain a fundamental understanding of aviation concepts, including the forces, materials and operations of aircraft and flight.
- Explore the wide variety of aviation and STEM career opportunities including: engineering, avionics, data & IT, drones/UAS, logistics, pilot/flight training, defence, emergency services and more.
- Understand career pathways to achieve these careers (TAFE/Uni/apprenticeships), prerequisites, and next steps.
- Build teamwork and problem-solving through hands-on STEM challenges.
KEY INFO FOR SCHOOLS
- Who: Years 7-12, ideal group size 25-50 per school
- Cost: Free entry to students
- When: Friday, 27th March, 2026. Approx 11am – 2pm
- What to bring: Closed shoes, hat, sunscreen, water bottle, lunch
WHAT’S ON
SPEAKING SESSIONS
Get the inside story on aviation careers through bite-sized speaking sessions designed for students. Ask questions, explore different roles, and walk away with practical advice on subjects, skills and next steps – whether you’re into flying, engineering, tech or trades.
FLYING DISPLAYS + DEMOS
A live flying segment brings the theory to life – pilots and narrators unpack forces of flight, control surfaces and aircraft performance while aircraft demonstrate turns, climbs, stalls and high/low passes. It’s loud, safe and an unforgettable memory for students to enjoy.
HUNTER WARBIRDS MUSEUM
Step inside one of Australia’s great aviation museums for close-up encounters with unique aircraft and explore stories from Australian aviation history. Guides highlight restoration, materials, engines and how wartime innovation shaped today’s STEM fields.
CAREERS + STEM ZONE
Meet the people behind the aircraft – engineers, technicians, pilots, planners and data/IT teams. In this hands-on zone, students rotate through demos (materials, avionics, drones, aerodynamics) and speak directly with apprentices, TAFE/Uni reps and industry partners about pathways and prerequisites.
SPEAKING SESSIONS SCHEDULE
| Timings | Exhibitor | Session Info |
|---|---|---|
| 10:30 AM – 10:40 AM | Exhibitor Defence Force Recruiting | Session Info Aviation careers in the Australian Defence Force |
| 10:45 AM – 10:55 AM | Exhibitor Sydney Flight College | Session Info Flight Training and Pilot Careers |
| 11:00 AM – 11:10 AM | Exhibitor Sigma Aerospace | Session Info Australia’s leading aircraft engineering college |
| 11:15 AM – 11:25 AM | Exhibitor CASA | Session Info Civil Aviation Safety Authority Careers |
| 11:30 AM – 11:40 AM | Exhibitor CAAA / Sky Careers | Session Info Empowering students to explore a variety of aviation pathways |
| 11:45 AM – 11:55 AM | Exhibitor WAI Australia Chapter | Session Info Encouragement and advancement of women in all aviation and aerospace career fields and interests |
| 12:00 PM – 12:10 PM | Exhibitor Aerohunter | Session Info Fixed wing flight training |
| 12:15 PM – 12:25 PM | Exhibitor Hunter Valley Helicopters | Session Info Helicopter flight training |
| 12:30 PM – 12:40 PM | Exhibitor Airspeed Aviation | Session Info Flight Training and Pilot Careers |
2026 EXHIBITORS
ADF CAREERS
ADF Careers connects students with opportunities in the Navy, Army and Air Force across a huge range of roles – from aviation and engineering to cyber, health, logistics and trades. Visit their team to explore training pathways, entry options and how STEM skills translate into real-world careers.
AEROHUNTER FLIGHT TRAINING
Aerohunter Flight Training supports the next generation of aviators with training options that can take you from your first flight through to professional pilot pathways. Chat with the team about what it takes to get started, the learning journey of achieving a Recreational Pilot Certificate (RPC), and the careers that open up across the aviation industry.
BLACK EDGE AVIATION
Black Edge Aviation delivers specialist aviation capability and showcases the people, training and technology that make complex aircraft operations possible. Visit their stand and check out the Black Hawk helicopter on static display to explore the STEM skills behind rotary-wing aviation – systems, engineering, safety and teamwork.
CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY (CASA)
CASA works to ensure Australia’s aviation industry operates safely and professionally, supporting everything from general aviation to airlines. Meet the team to discover the wide range of roles behind the scenes – where science, regulation, communication and problem-solving all play a part.
EAST COAST AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE
ECAM supports aircraft owners and operators with services like routine maintenance, periodic inspections, structural inspections, repairs and refurbishments across helicopter and aeroplane operations. Chat with their engineers about the pathways into aircraft maintenance and the high standards of regulation and quality that keep aircraft airworthy.
HUNTER WARBIRDS
Located at Scone Memorial Airport in the beautiful Upper Hunter Country of NSW, Hunter Warbirds is one of Australia’s premier aviation attractions. The museum features immersive exhibits, flight simulators, the onsite Kittyhawk Cafe, a modern function centre and more – all in a highly accessible and welcoming venue.
HUNTER VALLEY HELICOPTERS
Hunter Valley Helicopters offers a window into real-world aviation operations, safety, and customer-facing flying roles. Speak with the team about the skills, training and pathways that can lead to careers in helicopter aviation and the wider industry.
NAVAL AVIATION PROSPECTS SCHEME (NAPS)
The RAN’s Naval Aviation Prospects Scheme (NAPS) offers a unique pathway for students and young adults to explore careers in Navy aviation. Visit the team and try the Navy helicopter simulator to see how STEM skills – like maths, physics, systems and teamwork – translate into real aviation operations.
PAYS AVIATION
Pays Aviation is a Scone-based aviation business delivering services across flight training, charter, aerial firefighting and specialist operations. Chat with the team about the wide range of aviation careers behind the scenes – pilots, engineers, maintenance and operations – and how STEM skills apply every day.
QINETIQ AIR AFFAIRS
QinetiQ Air Affairs provides specialised aviation services that support Defence and industry, including threat representation, training, and Test & Evaluation. Meet the team to learn how STEM skills connect to real-world aviation operations, engineering, mission systems and problem-solving at scale.
SFC AERO
SFC Aero is one of Australia’s largest flight training organisations, offering structured pathways from first flights through to commercial pilot training. Come chat with the team about how maths, physics, meteorology and systems thinking show up in real pilot training – and what the journey into aviation can look like.
SKY CAREERS
Sky Careers empowers young people to learn what aviation jobs actually look like, and what subjects and skills best support each pathway. Chat with the team about programs and resources that help students (and schools) connect curiosity about flight with practical career options.
BECOME A STEM/CAREERS EXHIBITOR
Showcase real pathways into aviation and STEM – meet students, spark curiosity, and connect teachers with resources they can take back to the classroom. Whether you’re an airline, defence/aviation unit, engineering firm, university/TAFE, tech company or trades employer, this day is built for hands-on demos and meaningful conversations that will inspire the next generation.
Why exhibit?
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Meet Years 7–12 students and teachers from across the region
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Demonstrate tools, tech and careers (engineering, avionics, AME, drones, data/IT, logistics, safety)
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Support local skills pipelines and inspire the next generation
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Optional short talk/Q&A or micro-workshop during rotations
WHAT’S INCLUDED FOR EXHIBITORS?
Space & setup
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3×3m marquee space
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Power on request (limited -please specify equipment and load)
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Basic signage/listing on the event website and on-site map
Audience & format
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Direct contact with Years 7-12 students and accompanying teachers
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Guided rotations deliver steady foot traffic to your stand
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Option to deliver a 5-10 min talk
Promotion
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Logo on the STEM & Careers Day page and program PDF
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Inclusion in school communications and social media round-ups
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Opportunity to supply links/resources for teacher follow-up
