Leidos and RMIT support aspiring pilots with six new scholarships

On May 2, 2025, at the Avalon Airshow in Australia, Leidos Australia and RMIT University announced the recipients of the 2025 Leidos Aviation Scholarship. This scholarship program aims to assist aspiring pilots in their aviation careers and marks the second year of the program's initiatives. The 2025 program has expanded its offerings to include over $150,000 in funding distributed across six scholarships aimed at final-year students completing a degree in Aviation at RMIT Aviation Academy. This initiative follows the inaugural year, which saw five scholarship recipients graduate and begin their aviation careers with Leidos. James Woodhams, Vice President of Leidos Airborne Solutions, emphasized the company's dedication to addressing workforce shortages in the aviation industry. He stated that the rising costs of flight training can hinder aspiring pilots from entering the profession, and that the scholarship aims to provide crucial financial support and exposure to specialized aviation careers. This statement reflects the increasing concern regarding the preparedness of the aviation workforce to meet the current demands of the industry. During the Avalon Airshow, the scholarship recipients celebrated their achievements, which provided them not only recognition but also exposure to a unique learning opportunity. They engaged with various professionals in the aviation field, significantly benefiting from the interaction and insight into their future careers. RMIT Aviation Academy Director Lea Vesic praised the impact of the scholarship, reiterating the industry's ongoing demand for skilled pilots, not only in commercial aviation but also in vital operations such as Search and Rescue. This innovative scholarship program reinforces the collaboration between Leidos and RMIT, creating well-defined pathways for students aspiring to excel in the aviation industry. As the program enters its second year, both organizations reaffirm their commitment to talent development, aiming to strengthen Australia’s aviation sector for the foreseeable future.