As Western Sydney International Airport (WSI) inches closer and closer to operation, an increasing number of local residents are beginning to reap the benefits.
19-year-old Claremont Meadows resident Mikayla Becroft has recently completed a traineeship at WSI, fulfilling her goal of becoming part of a massive infrastructure project.
Alongside gaining her Certificate IV in Business at Liverpool TAFE, Becroft said she developed a plethora of new skills during her traineeship at WSI, learning directly from subject matter experts.
In particular, Becroft’s focus was on the communications side of operations, leading her to have achieved some pretty exciting milestones.
“My role has been extremely varied, from taking part in planning and participation in media events, government relations, leading data projects, social media and leading tours of the airport site,” she said.
“A highlight was assisting in organising a media call for the Prime Minister to announce the milestone of 50 per cent completion of the airport’s construction and Qantas’ agreement to base 15 aircraft at WSI on the airport’s opening in late 2026.”
According to Becroft, not only was the traineeship beneficial to her, but also to the company as a whole.
“The Traineeship Program at WSI has allowed me to build a strong set of professional and interpersonal skills, working within Corporate Affairs and the broader team at WSI,” she said.
“Having eager, young, learning workers as part of the WSI team, is important in providing diversity and a new perspective to the organisation.”
Since completing her term as a trainee, Becroft has gained a full-time job at WSI as a Community Engagement Officer.
Becroft is one of more than 4000 people working onsite at WSI – half of these living in western Sydney, and around a third learning new skills on the job.
Katy Hannouch, General Manager – Community Engagement and Social Impact at WSI, added that the traineeship program at WSI equips students with practical skills combined with formal education, building capability and employment pathways for the community in western Sydney.
This is only heightened by the fact that come 2026, there will be an abundance of new job opportunities directly with the airport, as well as with local businesses supporting it.
“The Traineeship Program is aimed at HSC graduate students and the trainees work in a 12-month paid program. Students work four days a week and attend TAFE on the fifth day to further their studies,” she said.
“The program is extremely popular. We have had more than 400 applications for the next round of trainees.”
