JNP Aviation Training was delighted to offer Lachlan, a dedicated young aviation enthusiast from Tauranga, the chance to join our Leadership in Aviation micro-credential program. This opportunity allowed him to learn alongside Team Leaders and Ramp Managers from across Aotearoa. Lachlan, who previously graduated from the Secondary School Certificate Micro-credential in Aviation Ground Operations, is also an active volunteer at Classic Flyers in Tauranga.

This opportunity was a way for us to recognise Lachlan's enthusiasm for aviation, as well as his ongoing volunteer work with Classic Flyers, a cherished aviation museum and community hub in Tauranga.

Lachlan juggles his volunteer work with his studies at Bethlehem College, while nurturing a long-term dream of becoming a pilot. His involvement in the Secondary School Micro-credential in aviation Ground Operations Gateway course and hands-on experience with Classic Flyers provided him with a solid foundation in understanding what keeps an airport operational.

At Classic Flyers, Lachlan’s role includes helping to maintain and move historic aircraft, as well as engaging with visitors and the local community. He finds the hands-on work with these iconic planes to be the most fulfilling part of his volunteer role. Lachlan also enjoys pointing out JNP Aviation Training’s ATR aircraft on the airfield, which is currently being used and developed as a hands-on training tool for Ground Operations.

Reflecting on his time in the Leadership in Aviation course, Lachlan initially wondered how the experience would fit into his daily life. However, he quickly discovered the value of the communication skills he gained, especially in handling complaints and difficult conversations. The learners shared experiences and challenges from their roles whilst diving into topics such as Integrity and performance, teams and team leadership, Health and Safety, Equity and Diversity and effective complaints handling.

"You don’t need the title of Leader or Manager to act like a good leader" Lachlan shared.

He believes the skills and knowledge from the course are not only relevant to aviation but also to everyday situations. The course provided him with practical examples and insights from classmates already working in the industry, offering a unique perspective on the challenges of leading a safe and efficient Ground Operations team in New Zealand.