Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport (WSI) and Western Sydney University have signed a memorandum of understanding to drive education, training and job opportunities ahead of the airport’s opening in late 2026.
Employing the local region
This initiative builds upon the organizations’ existing internship and summer research programs, which have enabled Western Sydney University students to get practical, hands-on skills while completing their studies. The partners have also had students take part in a research project supported by the airport and its technology partner, DXC Technology.
More than half of the approximately 3,500 people currently working to build WSI hail from Western Sydney, while ‘learning’ workers, which include trainees, graduates, apprentices and workers training to upgrade their qualifications and skills, currently account for around 30% of the workforce.
As WSI prepares to open in late 2026, thousands more jobs will be created across all parts of the precinct from domestic and international operations to services in the WSI Cargo and Business precincts as well.
Preparing Western Sydney Airport for operation
Simon Hickey, CEO of WSI, commented, “Western Sydney is in the midst of an incredible transformation, with the airport a major catalyst for broad infrastructure investment and significant job creation that will generate bigger and better career opportunities for students today and for generations to come.”
“Strengthening our partnership with the university is an important way we can help more young people during their journeys to study, up-skill or start their first job – whether it’s in aviation, science, technology, advanced manufacturing or other diverse industries in Western Sydney.”
Professor Jennifer Westacott AO, Western Sydney University Chancellor, added, “The collaboration with WSI provides a key platform to enhance the education, research and innovation connections needed to maximize the airport’s potential. This is vital not only for the airport’s development but also for the lasting benefits it can bring to the Western Sydney region.
“Beyond the substantial jobs boost created through the construction phase, the jobs and skills development opportunities that will emerge from the airport’s operations will be critical for the region. These opportunities will provide local residents with better access to employment and be a key driver of regional growth.”
Distinguished Professor George Williams AO, Western Sydney University vice-chancellor and president, said, “The MoU marks an extraordinary opportunity to expand on the excellent work already done with our students and WSI, including initiatives such as Launch Pad innovation projects, internships and Capstone projects led by our School of Computing, Data and Mathematical Sciences. We are excited to grow these opportunities for hands-on learning and collaboration as we support WSI with initiatives across technology, humanities and sustainability.”
Elena Sevdimbas, a recent Western Sydney University graduate who gained valuable skills through an internship with WSI, said, “As a recent graduate and former WSI intern, I saw firsthand the educational opportunities for students created through this partnership. Through this collaboration, students will gain access to valuable research, internships and career pathways that will enhance their professional development, just as I had the opportunity to do.”
For more of the top insights into the future of Western Sydney Airport, read Passenger Terminal Today’s exclusive interview with Tom McCormack, chief technology officer at Western Sydney Airport Corporation, here.