Garvina Lui is forging her career as an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer Apprentice based in Cairns – combining her passion for engineering and the ability to help people.
Garvina Lui is forging her career as an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer Apprentice based in Cairns – combining her passion for engineering and the ability to help people.
The 20-year-old had always wanted to study engineering but the COVID-19 pandemic stopped her planned move to Brisbane to study at Griffith University after graduating high school. Garvina changed her path and studied at a trade school that then led to an apprenticeship with the RFDS this year.
“It has been really hands on,” Garvina says with a smile. With a busy hangar in the background, Garvina reflects on the first few months of her engineering apprenticeship which she hopes will lead to a life-long job working on RFDS aircraft.
“The first couple of months I was working on wheels. It’s incredible that today I am working on an engine and learning so much off everyone.”
Manager of Engineering Operations Adam Clegg praises Garvina’s attitude and work ethic.
“We are very excited to have Garvina in our Engineering team. Garvina has a great attitude, willingness to learn and is firmly part of the engineering team,” he says.
“We currently have an exceptional group of apprentices and we see this as part of our long term engineering sustainability plan.”
As a proud Torres Strait Islander woman, Garvina knows the importance of the Flying Doctor providing care to remote Indigenous communities.
“It was in my first couple of weeks of working here, a family member actually came in on an aircraft from Darnley Island,” Garvina recalls.
“Having the Flying Doctor for communities like this who don’t have much healthcare is so important. It makes my heart full knowing I can play a part in ensuring everyone, no matter where they live, has access to the best possible healthcare.
“It makes me really proud to work for the RFDS, especially when I see the young children coming through the Cairns Base and knowing they are getting the best care.”
There are 38 Engineers working across RFDS (Queensland Section) – ensuring the highest quality of standards and safety for our crew and patients.
