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Nansita Charan

from Hospitality worker to Manufacturing Apprentice
I build airplanes for commercial aviation
Industry
Aviation
Company
Boeing
Job Level
Entry
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Ask me about

  • How I decided this is what I wanted to do
  • The obstacles and pressure I had to overcome to get to this position
  • If I ever wanted to give up and how I moved past it

About me

I’ve always had a keen interest in aircraft as I used to travel to Fiji to visit my grandparents quite often. Of course at the age of 4 I was only interested in the kids activity packs but that only propelled my eagerness towards the aviation industry.

As a child and pre-teen I’d constantly help my dad with any home projects making me realise my passion for all things hands-on! Getting into high school I had a taste of woodworks, metal works etc which made me choose engineering as one of my subjects from year 9 to year 12.

During high school the more I learnt about the industry the more it intrigued me even if it is considered a male dominated profession – which was clearly evident as I was 1 or 2 girls in my engineering class. After I graduated I pursued Mechanical Engineering at university hoping it would take me out to the hangar and tarmac, though after a year I realised it wasn’t the path that’d take me where I wanted. I stopped my course and started searing for something else.

After searching I came across a TAFE course for Aeroskills Cert 2, enrolled in it and I absolutely loved it!

I was able to apply for the Boeing Female Apprenticeship Program and even more lucky to have been selected as part of the first intake that started in September 2022.

This apprenticeship for me meant progressing further into my dream career but it also meant having to move away from family as I moved states for this job and qualification. Though there are bittersweet moments the job in itself has been a dream, and honestly so much better than what I had thought. I can’t wait to finish the apprenticeship and see what the future holds for me!

About my role

  • Meticulous
  • Passionate
  • Perfectionist
  • Reliable
  • Resourceful
  • Sociable

As an apprentice, I have the privilege and opportunity to work all around Boeing Aerostructures Australia - learning about 737, 777 and 787. Amongst all that I also get to experience a bit of NDT (Non-Destructive Testing), Fabrication, Tooling, etc.

Most days you'll see me doing tasks assigned to manufacture the moving parts of an aircraft such as ailerons, rudders or inboard or outboard flaps.

My job constantly has me on the tools and the best part about working here is that so many of my teammates have years and years of experience - meaning I get to learn how to do jobs in more than one way.

Another thing about this role is that on the shop floor there is never a dull moment. My teammates are constantly making the workplace a fun and safe environment. My teammates make this more than just a job; for me it is a second home.

All in all, it's a physically demanding job but it's very rewarding seeing all the products come together at the end of the shift, and the amount of knowledge I gather every single day is immeasurable. It makes it all worthwhile knowing I'll be an aircraft maintenance engineer one day and ensuring the products I work on are safe.

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Education

  • High School Diploma
  • Certificate 2 in Aeroskills
  • Certificate 4 in Aeroskills - Structures (In Progess)

Subjects

  • Art
  • English
  • Food and Technology
  • Mathematical Methods (Maths B)
  • Physics
  • Science

Hobbies

  • Art
  • Cooking
  • Dancing
  • Painting
  • Seeing family and friends
  • Swimming

15 year old me!!

“I would tell my 15 year old self to focus on her goals and that she will achieve them if she keeps at it and doesn't give up.”

My career journey

Curious to know how I got here? Here’s a snapshot of my career pathway.
  1. One of two females in engineering class in high school
  2. Studied Aeroskills in TAFE
  3. Did work experience as a ground support equipment technician at TCR
  4. Moved interstate
  5. Started work at Boeing

My employer

Behind every Boeing product and platform is a person using critical and creative thinking to solve complex problems and produce future aerospace products that defy gravity, break the speed of sound and allow Boeing to live out its mission to connect, protect and explore our world. Our teams span the areas of defence, space, commercial products and technologies. At Boeing, you could play a hand in taking products from inception and design to delivery and beyond, and solve challenges that enable all of humanity to take flight.